Isaiah 5:1-7
This is one of the most memorable passages from the entire Old Testament book. God plants the very best grapes, but the crop fails. It represents the people of Israel. God wanted them to be the best, but they failed because of their sinful pride.
Matthew 21:33-43
Undoubtedly, the parable of the “wretched vineyard tenants” is voiced by Our Lord Jesus with a view toward Israel’s actions in the story of God’s salvation. Yet, the parable is part of the New Testament only because it also says something about the Church. Recall that Matthew is inspired by the Holy Spirit to author his gospel some 40 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Church becomes the people entrusted with the Kingdom so that God can finally receive the anticipated harvest. It is for us to ask and answer whether the Church truly has given God that harvest. Every member of the Church must ask themselves whether God’s disappointment applies to them personally and, if so, why?
