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Matthew 21:37 (BSB)
Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.” — Matthew 21:37
Imagine a father who’s tried everything to reach his stubborn tenants. He’s sent servants, he’s pleaded, but nothing works. Now, he’s sending his beloved son, thinking, ‘Surely they will listen to him!’ There’s a mix of hope and desperation here. You can feel the father’s longing for respect and connection. It’s a powerful moment that highlights the depth of his love and commitment, believing that this time, they will finally understand the message of love he’s been trying to convey.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus' close followers, who had a unique perspective as a former tax collector. He saw how people often turned away from what was good and true. By including this detail about the son being sent, Matthew emphasizes the deep love and patience of God. He wants you to see how far God is willing to go to reach us—even sending His own son—because he understands firsthand the struggles of turning away from what matters.
Matthew wrote this during a time when the Jewish people were grappling with their identity and faith amidst Roman occupation. It was a period of tension and expectation, as many were waiting for a Messiah who would change their fortunes. Understanding this context helps you see that the message of this verse was not just for then but resonates even now. The people were facing rejection and disconnection, much like we do today, making the father’s hopeful act of sending his son even more poignant.
This verse matters because it reflects the lengths to which love will go to reach us. Just like the father in the parable, you might feel like you’ve been overlooked or ignored. This verse reminds you that you are worthy of being listened to and that love is persistent. It speaks to your heart, saying that even when it feels like no one cares, there is a powerful, loving presence that wants to connect with you. It’s a reminder that we all have the chance to choose respect and connection over rejection.
This week, take a moment to think about someone you might have overlooked or taken for granted. It could be a friend, family member, or even someone at work. Reach out to them with kindness and respect. Maybe it’s a simple text to check in or a heartfelt conversation. By choosing to value others, you embody the message of love that this verse highlights. You can also reflect on how you respond to love and authority in your own life—are you open to listening or do you sometimes reject it?
In this chapter, we find ourselves in the middle of a tense situation. Jesus is telling a parable about a landowner and his vineyard, which represents God and His people. The landowner has been mistreated by those he entrusted with his vineyard. When he sends his son, it’s a pivotal moment that escalates the drama. The tension is thick as you realize that this son’s arrival is both a last hope and a tragic turning point. The verse you just read fits perfectly here, highlighting the father’s hope against the backdrop of rejection. The story builds towards a climax that reveals the consequences of ignoring love and authority.
How do you respond when someone reaches out to you with love and kindness? Do you recognize the importance of that connection in your life?
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