“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. Matthew 21:43, NKJV
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.
Note after sharing the devotional: what comes to mind about the parable of the talents, in light of the devotional, is the passage where Paul talks about the fruit of the Spirit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV
I used to struggle with the parable of the talents, because I've had many a season where I was sure I wasn't using my gifts at all. But, as I look back now, I have invested many of the gifts God has given me, especially the musical talents. Now, I probably could do more, but what jumps out to me now is the importance of my heart and ensuring that it is geared toward wanting to serve and please God. Of all the topics the Bible talks about, human behavior and attitude are two of the biggest topics. It's because of sinful human behavior and attitude that was responsible for the nation of Israel becoming wicked and getting carried away either by the Assyrians or by the Babylonians (or other neighboring nations at different times).
It's why I advocate for people prioritizing working on themselves in terms of their character, morals, attitude, as well as working through any pains, wounds, mindsets, etc., that continue to hold them back. I do earnestly believe that everyone has something to work on and to heal/grow from. Just because a person has a different mindset (i.e. a different culture, a different political view, a different religious view, etc) doesn't mean they are exempt. After all, just because a person chooses to follow a different god doesn't mean they'll escape facing the one true God, the God of gods, when they die.
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, Hebrews 9:27, NKJV
It's also why I advocate for any readers who haven't received Jesus Christ as their King and Savior yet to do so. This involves surrendering your lives to Him, and submitting to Him entirely as the Master of your life, forsaking all other masters and all other idols. Give Him your heart and let Him take complete control. For those who have already claimed Christ as your Savior, I would exhort you to ensure that He truly is your King as well. Do you actually live for Jesus, or do you only claim to do so? Do you actually follow him, or do you only claim to do so? Do you actually obey all His commandments, or do you only claim to do so? Make sure that you are right with Him, 100%, because everything that you say and do (as well as don't say and don't do), God is paying attention, and so is the rest of the world. Make sure that your fruit - that is, the evidence of your character - proves it.
Prayer: God, thank You for inviting me into Your kingdom. Help me to live a life that bears fruit so I can honor You. Forgive me for the times I fall short, and guide me to embrace the challenge of producing fruit for Your glory. Thank You for Your grace. In Jesus's name, Amen.
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