GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
The Vineyard and the Tenants: Mt 21,33-46
This parable occurs in all three Synoptic Gospels, Mk 12,1-9 and Lk 20,9-19 being the other versions. The importance of this parable for the early Christians is clear given their controversies with the Jews. Comparing Matthew's version with Mark's will show he has given a rather different thrust to the story.
In the form we have it in the Gospels, this parable is an allegory, it can easily be decoded. We have had vineyard stories already in 20,1-16 as well as the previous episode, 21,28-32. Both we read as parables, stories with a lesson. Consider what is different this time.
We have mentioned the Isaiah poem Is 5,1-7 with the previous stories. Consider how is it particularily relevent here in light of what you know about the history of Israel. What are the sour grapes (Is 5,7)? Compare Is 5,1-2 with 21,33; how are Matthew and Isaiah different?. Look back to verse 28.
How has Matthew changed Mark in verse 33? See 20,1.
In verses 34-36, how has Matthew altered Mk 12,2-5? What is the effect of his changes? See 23.34.37.
Who is the son of verse 38? Note how Matthew has altered Mark (Mk 12,8) in verse 39. See Hebrews 13,12.
How has Matthew changed Mark (Mk 12,9) in verses 40-41? What is the result? See 21,27.31.
The application of Psalm 118 in verse 42 has been seen already in this chapter, 21,9.
Verse 44 is usually regarded as an interpolation from Luke and so omitted. Thus verses 43 and 45-46 need to be read together.
Verse 43 is special to Matthew. Note how it uses an expression which is not Matthew's usual style, see 12,28. Who will those new tenants be?
Verses 45 and 46 are the evangelist's comment following on from verse 43. Note how another group of Jews now make their only appearance in this chapter. For verse 46, see 13,57 and also 14,5. Note how Matthew has altered Mk 12,12.
Now, a response from me
Sunday Gospel
This parable of the vineyard is read on the 27th Sunday of the Year. As is usual with the lectionary, it is only Matthew's version of this story which is read as a Sunday Gospel.
The corresponding Old Testament reading is the song of the vineyard from Isaiah, Is 5,1-7. As we have seen, this is the key passage behind the parable.
And now we can continue on to the chapter 22 where the groups involved in the controversies become more specific.