A Whole New World

In the Parable of the Tenants, Jesus tells a story of a landowner who plants a vineyard, rents it to some farmers, and when the owner sends his servants to collect the fruit, the farmers strike them down.  

When the owner sends his own son to collect, they even kill him, too.  

And it leaves the owner with just one option: it’s time to pass along the land to some other farmers.  

This parable reflects the rejection Jesus faced. The Son of God had come to a world meant to bear fruit for the kingdom, but instead, He found it barren. By week’s end, the Son Himself would be struck down.

Jesus’ words here are both a challenge and a comfort. 

The challenge? Fruitfulness matters. God’s kingdom isn’t about titles, traditions, or appearances—it’s about producing the fruit of faith, justice, and love. If we’re not bearing fruit, we’re missing the point.

The comfort? Those who feel excluded or unworthy are invited to take part in the kingdom. Those who seem “last” are welcomed as “first.” 

Holy Week reminds us that in Jesus, everything changes. The kingdom is for those willing to receive it and bear its fruit. That’s both a sobering call and a hopeful promise.