USS Comstock Sermon #2

22. CHRIST IS OPPOSED

Matthew 21:28–46

I. The problem of opposition—vv. 28–32

A. Story—vv. 28–30. One son said he wouldn’t work, but later changed his mind and went to work. Another son said he would work, but didn’t go.

B. Sin—v. 31. Here Jesus says that harlots (prostitutes) and publicans (tax collectors) would enter heaven before the self-righteous Pharisees. Harlots and publicans could enter heaven because they repented.

C. Salvation—v. 32. The self-righteous people did not accept the preaching of John the Baptist.

Good works do not produce salvation (Eph. 2:8–9). However, salvation does produce good works.

II. The persecution of opposition—vv. 33–39

A. The parable—v. 33

1. Winepress. Wine was made from grapes with a winepress.

2. Tower. A watchtower was a place for the workers to stay.

3. Let it out—Let it out is a phrase that means “to rent.”

4. Husbandmen. Farmers or caretakers were husbandmen.

B. The preparation—v. 34. The owner sent servants to collect the fruit and profits from the farm.

C. The persecution—vv. 35–38. The servants were killed.

D. The prophecy—v. 39. This is a picture of how Christ would be rejected by mankind (cf. John 1:11–12).

III. The punishment because of opposition—vv. 40–46

A. Story—v. 40. Here we see a comparison of what Christ will do to the wicked sinners. The wicked husbandmen were cast out. Christ will cast sinners out at the last judgment (Rev. 20:11–15).

B. Separation—v. 41. Destruction, or separation from God. This really means hell.

C. Stone—vv. 42–44. Jesus quoted from Psalm 118:22–23. Jesus is the stone the Jews rejected, but He became the chief cornerstone of the building.

1. Christ the stone—v. 42. Build upon Christ and you’ll have the security of a solid foundation.

2. Producing fruit—v. 43. You must show fruit by your works.

3. Power of the stone—v. 44. The stone will break our will, if we humble ourself. If not, the stone will fall upon us, grinding us into powder.

D. Story understood—vv. 45–46. The people then understood His teaching and saw that Christ was referring to their own self-righteousness.

Pentz, C. M. (1977). Expository Outlines on the Life of Christ (p. 28). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.