KING JESUS: A JOURNEY THROUGH MATTHEW'S GOSPEL (PT 24)

The kingdom of God is one of the Bible’s most complex yet central concepts, touching on everything from the mission of Christ to future glory. In Matthew 21:43-44, Jesus gives a message regarding the kingdom. This statement follows the parable of the tenants, where Jesus describes a vineyard owner who rents out his vineyard to tenants. The tenants reject and abuse the servants sent to collect the harvest and ultimately kill the owner's son. The meaning of this parable and its connection to the kingdom of God highlights a critical moment in Jesus’ ministry. It reveals vital truths about the nature of the kingdom, who it belongs to, and the consequences of rejecting it.
 
Today, we will explore Matthew 21:43-44 and the meaning of the kingdom of God, its present and future nature, its citizens' responsibilities, and the consequences of rejection. Through this exploration, we aim to understand what it means to be part of God's kingdom and how this it shapes our lives as believers.
 
The Kingdom of God: A Mystery Revealed
The kingdom of God is not easily defined, and even Jesus referred to it as a mystery (Mark 4:11). In Colossians 2:2-3, the apostle Paul speaks of God’s mystery being revealed through Christ, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." The kingdom is closely tied to the person of Jesus Christ—He is the King, and through Him, the rule of God is made manifest.
 
The word “kingdom” is translated from the Greek basileia, which means royal power, kingship, dominion, or rule. It refers not to a physical territory like the kingdoms we know today but to God’s sovereign reign. This reign is present in Christ’s ministry and the lives of believers today, yet it will not be fully realized until Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom on earth.
 
Matthew 21:43 - 44
 
In Matthew 21:43-44, Jesus speaks directly to the Jewish leaders, warning them that the kingdom would be taken away because they were not producing its fruits. This message was shocking to the Jews, who viewed themselves as God’s chosen people and heirs of the kingdom. However, Jesus is clear: it is not birthright or heritage that grants access to the kingdom, but faith and obedience to God’s will.
 
The Present and Future Kingdom
One of the challenges of understanding the kingdom of God is that it is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus inaugurated the kingdom with His first coming—through His teachings, miracles, and, most importantly, through His death and resurrection. He declared that "the kingdom of God is in your midst" (Luke 17:21). The reign of God had already begun, and those who placed their faith in Christ became part of this kingdom.
 
However, Jesus also taught that the kingdom must still be fully realized. It will come in its fullness when He returns to judge the world and establish His eternal rule. In Matthew 25:31-34, Jesus describes His second coming, saying, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne... Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’”
 
This “already but not yet” nature of the kingdom is crucial to understanding its role in the life of a believer. We live in the reality of God’s kingdom through our relationship with Christ, but we also look forward to the day when the kingdom is fully established. The present aspect of the kingdom calls us to live in obedience to God now, while the future aspect fills us with hope as we await Christ’s return.
 
The Fruits of the Kingdom
In Matthew 21:43, Jesus clarifies that the kingdom will be taken away from those who fail to produce its fruits. What are these fruits? Throughout Scripture, the "fruits" of the kingdom are often associated with righteousness, obedience to God’s commands, and living a life that reflects His character.
 
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These qualities mark a life transformed by the power of the Spirit. Similarly, in Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus teaches that "you will recognize them by their fruits," emphasizing that a true disciple of Christ will be known by their actions and character.
 
The Jewish leaders in Jesus’ time, to whom He was speaking in Matthew 21, were not producing these fruits. Despite their religious knowledge and adherence to rituals, their hearts were far from God. They rejected His prophets, and ultimately, they rejected His Son, Jesus Christ. Because of this, the kingdom would be taken away from them and given to a people who would produce its fruits—namely, the Gentiles and all who would come to faith in Jesus Christ.
 
This is a powerful reminder for us today. Merely identifying as a Christian or participating in religious activities is not enough. We must be producing the fruits of the kingdom in our lives. Our faith must be active, manifesting in love for others, obedience to God’s Word, and a desire to glorify Him in all that we do.
 
The Stone: A Cornerstone and a Crushing Rock
In Matthew 21:44, Jesus shifts the metaphor to a stone, saying, "The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him." This imagery comes from Psalm 118:22, where the stone rejected by the builders becomes the cornerstone. Jesus identifies Himself as this stone—the one rejected by the Jewish leaders but chosen by God as the foundation of His kingdom.
 
For those who accept Jesus as the cornerstone, He becomes the foundation for their lives. Ephesians 2:20-22 speaks of the church being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. The whole structure is joined together in Him and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
 
However, the stone becomes a crushing rock of judgment for those who reject Him. This is a sobering truth. Jesus is the dividing line of history—those who place their faith in Him will inherit the kingdom, but those who reject Him will face judgment. The warning in Matthew 21:44 is clear: to reject Christ is to face destruction. This message was directed at the Jewish leaders, but it applies to all who hear the gospel today. We cannot remain neutral regarding Christ; we must either accept Him as Lord or face the consequences of rejecting Him.
 
The Responsibility of Kingdom Citizens
As citizens of the kingdom of God, we have a great responsibility. Jesus outlines this in various teachings, but one of the clearest summaries comes in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Our primary task as believers is to seek God’s kingdom above all else. This means prioritizing His will in our lives, aligning our desires and actions with His purposes, and living in a way that reflects the values of His kingdom.
Seeking the kingdom also involves praying for its coming. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This prayer reflects our longing for the day when God’s reign will be fully established on earth. Still, it also serves as a reminder that we are called to live out His will here and now.
 
Furthermore, we are called to prepare for the kingdom. Jesus frequently warned His disciples to be ready for His return, for it will come at an unexpected hour (Matthew 24:44). To prepare for the kingdom means living in a state of readiness, not being complacent or distracted by the things of this world. It means being faithful stewards of the time, talents, and resources God has given us, using them to advance His kingdom and proclaim the gospel to others.
 
The Consequences of Rejection
The warning in Matthew 21:43-44 is not just a historical statement directed at the Jewish leaders but a universal message that applies to all who hear the gospel. Rejecting Christ has serious consequences. In the parable of the tenants, the wicked tenants represent those who rejected God’s messengers and ultimately killed His Son. Because of their rejection, the vineyard (the kingdom) was taken away from them.
 
This same principle holds true today. Those who reject Christ and refuse to live according to the values of His kingdom will face judgment. Jesus describes this judgment in stark terms throughout the Gospels. In Matthew 25:41-46, He speaks of separating the sheep and the goats at the final judgment, where those who have rejected Him will face eternal punishment.
 
Yet, there is hope. The kingdom is open to all who will receive it. Jesus’ message in Matthew 21 is both a warning and an invitation. The kingdom will be given to a people who produce its fruits—those who place their faith in Christ and live in obedience to Him. For those who accept this invitation, the kingdom is a place of eternal joy, peace, and fellowship with God.
 
Conclusion
The kingdom of God is a simple and complex reality that touches every aspect of our faith. It is both a present reality and a future hope, revealed through the person of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 21:43-44, Jesus warns that the kingdom will be taken away from those who fail to produce its fruits and given to those who live in obedience to God. This is a sobering reminder that faith is not just a matter of religious identity but of active, fruitful living.
 
As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are called to seek His reign in our lives, pray for its coming, and prepare for Christ's return. The warning of judgment is real, but so is the promise of eternal life for those who accept Christ as their King. May we live in light of this reality, producing the fruits of the kingdom and proclaiming the gospel's good news to a world in need of hope.

---