Vineyard Syllabus – Mat 21:28-46

Matthew 21 documents a distinct change in Jesus' tone of teaching as the scope of His kingdom declaration expands to specify the judgment edicts and inscrutably wise sovereignty of the Triune God. Note in this section a rare reference to the Kingdom in Matthew's gospel... 'Kingdom of God' as opposed to his preferred 'Kingdom of Heaven' language (31 references to 4). Jesus' most explicit and direct references to His rule are reserved for His detractors. Even the response of the hearers (chief priests, elders, and Pharisees) serves to underscore His teaching in this chapter of His ministry. The hard-of-heart cannot help but validate His prophecy immediately with their attitude of defiance (45-46). Let us consider these vineyard parables as a matching set, recognizing the second expands and expounds the first.