THE PARABLE OF THE TENANTS – MATTHEW 21:33-46
- If you could travel anywhere in the world (and money was no issue), where would you go? Why?
- If you were an absentee landlord and had to find a trustworthy tenants, what would you seek?
- In what way does each of these hurt: being told an uncomfortable truth, and being told a lie?
- What attitudes in others make you want to be mean instead of nice?
- Who is the landowner in this parable?
- What does the vineyard in this parable represent?
- Who do the tenants of the parable symbolize?
- Who re the servants in this parable?
- Who is the son in this parable?
- What corresponds to the son’s death?
- What does it mean for the horrible tenants to be removed?
- What is ironic about Matthew 21:42-44?
- How would you feel if you were extremely kind and giving to someone for a long time and that person repeatedly scorned your kindness?
- At whom does Jesus address this parable?
- Why don’t they arrest Jesus?
- Why don’t they repent and follow Jesus?
- Who is going to receive the kingdom in Matthew 21:43?
- Why does Christ’s kindness often fail to impress people?
- Does God’s Word soften your heart like wax or harden your heart like clay?
- What are some ways we react when God’s Word convicts us or tells us to take demanding, difficult, or risky steps?
- In what area of your life do you tend to resist God’s authority?
- At different times in your life, how have you responded to Jesus?
- Have you ever felt like you deserved God’s kingdom?
- In you life, is Jesus like a capstone (the highest point of the building) or a millstone (a weight that drags you down)? In what ways?
- With whom do you most identify in this story?
- What is one practical step you can take to submit to God and obey His Word this week?
- Today or tomorrow, how can you show God your appreciation for His goodness toward you?