In the of the wicked vinedressers (Matthew 21.33-46), the owner’s expectation, who represents God, is clear: he expects fruit from the vineyard that he carefully planted and entrusted to the vinedressers. These fruits symbolize the acts of justice, faithfulness and repentance that God hopes for from his people.
What does the owner’s expectation consist of?
The owner has:
_planted a vineyard (Israel),
_put in place everything needed for it to prosper (the Law, the prophets, the Temple),
_entrusted its management to vinedressers (the religious leaders),
_and expected fruit at harvest time.
But the vinedressers refuse to hand over these fruits and mistreat the servants sent to them, the prophets, and then kill the son, the Messiah Jesus.
What do the “fruits” represent?
The fruits expected are not material, but spiritual and moral. They stand for:
_Justice God expects his people to live in uprightness, compassion, and fairness (Isaiah 5.7).
_Repentance Acknowledging one’s faults, turning away from evil, and returning to God — as the tax collectors and the prostitutes did in Matthew 21.31-32.
_Obedience to God Not a religion of outward show, but sincere obedience to the divine will (Matthew 7.21).
_Faith in Jesus The rejection of the Son is the height of unfaithfulness. The fruits include recognizing the Messiah and welcoming his authority.
_Witness and mission Being a light to the nations, bearing fruit by proclaiming the Kingdom and living by the Spirit (John 15.8).
Synthesis
The owner’s expectation in the is that of a patient, just and faithful God, who seeks an authentic response his people. The fruits he expects are the visible signs of a life transformed by his presence: justice, faith, obedience, love and faithfulness.