Another Nation #

After Jesus cleanses the temple, He begins to preach and teach in the temple. The first thing He does is to warn the chief priests and the rulers of Israel that the Kingdom of God—the promised Messianic kingdom—the kingdom of heaven is going to be taken away from them and given to a nation that bears fruit.

This “nation” which Jesus speaks about is the Church, which comprises believing Jews and Gentiles. Dispensationalist preachers like John Hagee, Tim LaHaye, Hal Lindsey, and many others refuse to believe this despite Jesus Himself prophesying it.

Whose Eschatology Do We Believe? #

Jesus warns the rulers of Israel that the Kingdom will be taken from them and given to another nation that will bear fruit—this new nation is the Church, comprising Jewish and Gentile believers. The old temple would be destroyed, and a new temple would be raised, not made of marble slabs or stones, but made of living stones: the sons and daughters of the Kingdom.

These are those who repent and obey the gospel, being born from above, thus becoming the sons and daughters of God.

Jesus warns the chief priests and the rulers of Israel of the coming judgment and that they would be replaced. Jesus made it plain and clear that the chief priests would be replaced by the apostles, and old covenant Israel would be replaced by new covenant Israel—the Church (believing Jews and Gentiles). He speaks of this through a parable:

The Parable of the Vineyard (Matthew 21:33-46 ESV) #

The vineyard speaks of natural Israel. The vine is a symbol to show the fact that God took Israel out of Egypt and carried them on His wings, bringing them to Himself (Exodus 19:4-6). He then led them across the Jordan and planted them in the land of Canaan.

34 When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit.

Who are the tenants? #

The tenants are the chief priests and rulers of Israel—the overseers of the nation who were given responsibility for the Kingdom, but they failed to bring forth fruit. The servants sent to gather fruit were the prophets of old. God was expecting a harvest, and at harvest time, He sent His servants to the tenants to receive the produce—and likewise, God has an expectation of each one of us today.

35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another.
36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them.

The prophets were killed by the rulers of Israel and their religious systems. Isaiah was cut in half, and most of the prophets were martyred by the Jewish nation.

37 Finally, he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

Invention of Jesus? #

This parable is not an invention of Jesus, something fictitious. Jesus is dealing with a parable about the writings of the prophet Isaiah, which is the vision of the Vineyard, recorded in Isaiah chapter 5. The reason we don’t understand the prophetic nature of what Jesus spoke is that we often fail to understand the prophets.

Isaiah 5:1-2 (ESV)
1 Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard:
My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill.
2 He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes.

Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 5 speaks of God’s expectations for Israel, the vineyard He had planted. But despite all of His care and provision, Israel produced only wild grapes, symbolising their disobedience and failure to follow God’s will.

The Rejection of the Son #

In the parable, 37 “Finally, he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

The son refers to Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, sent to His people to gather fruit—obedience and faithfulness. The vineyard is no longer just Israel’s land; it represents God’s kingdom on earth. And God, the master, sends His Son as a final attempt to redeem Israel.

But instead of honouring the son, the tenants—the religious leaders and rulers—decide to kill him to take his inheritance. This was fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion, where the religious leaders, out of jealousy and pride, rejected the Son of God.

40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”

The owner represents God, and the tenants are the Jewish religious leaders. Their response, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons,” shows that they understood the parable, yet they failed to repent or accept the warning.

Jesus made it clear: Israel’s failure to accept and obey God’s messengers (prophets) and, ultimately, His Son, would lead to judgment. The Kingdom of God would be taken from them.

The Stone the Builders Rejected #

42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

Jesus references Psalm 118:22-23, where the psalmist declares that the rejected stone becomes the cornerstone. This was fulfilled in Jesus, the Stone rejected by Israel’s rulers, but ultimately, He would be the foundation of God’s new Kingdom—the Church.

The cornerstone is not just any stone; it is the foundation upon which everything is built. The builders (religious leaders) rejected it, but God made it the chief cornerstone. The Church, the new nation of believers, is built on Christ as the cornerstone.

The Kingdom Taken Away #

43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.

The Kingdom of God, which Israel had access to as the chosen nation, would be taken away from them because they failed to produce the fruit God expected.

This Kingdom would now be given to a new people—the Church, made up of both believing Jews and Gentiles. This is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, where Jesus reveals the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, from national Israel to the body of believers in Christ.

Natural vs. Spiritual: Understanding the Kingdom of God #

The distinction between the natural and the spiritual is foundational to understanding the Kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 2:14, Paul explains:

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

This verse highlights a profound truth: the natural mind, shaped by human experience, is incapable of grasping the spiritual realities that come from God.

The word for “natural” here is ψυχικός (psychikos), which refers to the soul or the realm of the unregenerate human experience, detached from the Spirit. The things of the Spirit, Paul continues, are understood only through the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment. This is crucial to understanding why the Gospel seems foolish to some.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A New Realm of Understanding #

Jesus Himself introduces this new dimension of understanding in John 8:23, saying:

“You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.”

This distinction between “below” and “above” speaks to the realm of natural existence versus the heavenly, spiritual dimension. The ἀνωθεν (anothen) word for “above” means “from above” or “from heaven,” emphasising that Jesus’ authority, understanding, and Kingdom are not of this world. For the disciples to understand this, they needed the Holy Spirit, who would enable them to comprehend the divine nature of His Kingdom.

The Spirit as the Key to Unlocking Truth #

Before His ascension, Jesus promised His disciples in Acts 1:7-8:

7 “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This promise is pivotal. The word δύναμις (dynamis) for “power” refers to supernatural strength or ability. The Holy Spirit’s coming would give the disciples the power to see and declare the spiritual truths of God’s Kingdom.

Before the Holy Spirit, their understanding was limited to earthly perspectives, but with His indwelling, they would be empowered to comprehend and proclaim the spiritual realities of God’s reign.

A New Order in the Kingdom #

After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the nature of the Kingdom was revealed in full. The apostles’ teachings shifted dramatically from a focus on an earthly, Jewish kingdom to one that was spiritual and transcended worldly borders. In Acts 8:12, we read:

“But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”

The word εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō) for “preached good news” refers to the proclamation of the Gospel, but it also carries the idea of announcing God’s rule and reign. The Gospel, as the message of the Kingdom, was not limited to Israel but was available to all nations, starting with the Gentiles.

The Holy Spirit and the Unveiling of Truth #

The Holy Spirit’s role is to reveal these deeper truths, including the true nature of the Kingdom. Jesus promised in John 16:13:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

Here, the Greek word ὁδηγήσει (hodēgēsēi) for “will guide” implies a leading that is personal and instructive. The Spirit’s mission is to guide believers into a full understanding of the Kingdom of God, from its present reality to its future fulfilment.

The Kingdom: A Spiritual, Not Earthly Realm #

Jesus had already alluded to the spiritual nature of the Kingdom in Luke 12:32:

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

The word δοῦναι (dounai) for “give” expresses God’s gracious, unearned gift. It is God’s pleasure to offer His Kingdom freely to those who receive it, not based on worldly merit or power but by His grace through the Holy Spirit.

The Kingdom of God is not a physical domain but a spiritual one, rooted in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, as Paul writes in Romans 14:17:

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

This verse clearly outlines the character of the Kingdom: it is spiritual and inward, a matter of the heart rather than external observances. δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē), “righteousness,” refers to being in right relationship with God; εἰρήνη (eirēnē), “peace,” denotes the inner peace brought by the Holy Spirit; and χαρά (chara), “joy,” is the spiritual joy that comes from being in God’s presence.

Understanding the Kingdom Through the Spirit #

The apostles, at first, were not ready to fully grasp the implications of this spiritual Kingdom. But after Pentecost, as the Spirit filled them, their understanding expanded. They began to see that the Kingdom was not about political power or territorial dominion, but about a life governed by God’s principles, lived out through the Holy Spirit.

Kingdom Not of This World #

Jesus made a clear distinction between His Kingdom and any earthly kingdom. When He spoke to Pilate in John 18:36, He declared:

“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (ESV)

This is a profound truth: Christ’s Kingdom is not limited to earthly, temporal matters. His Kingdom transcends human governments, political systems, and temporal realities.

The word Βασιλεία (Basileia), translated as “kingdom,” refers not just to a domain or rule, but to the reign and authority of Christ, which is spiritual, eternal, and invincible. This is the Kingdom that is unfolding in our world today, beginning within the hearts of believers.

The Church: Israel of God #

The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. While Jesus was on earth, He established the foundation for His spiritual Kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection. The Church—the body of Christ—is now the spiritual Israel. Jesus is the true Israel, the True Vine (John 15:1), and we are His branches.

In Romans 2:29, Paul explains:

“But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” (ESV)

This shifts our understanding from a physical lineage to a spiritual reality. Israel as a nation, in the Old Covenant, was a type that pointed to the true Israel: Christ and His people.

We, the Church, are now partakers of this Kingdom. The apostle Peter affirms this in 1 Peter 2:9:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” (ESV)

This new nation, which is the Church, is to fill the earth with the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Kingdom of God.

Prophecy of a Foolish Nation #

In Deuteronomy 32:21, we see God’s foretelling of the end of the Old Covenant Israel:

“They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are no people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.” (ESV)

Here, Moses prophesies that God would raise a “foolish nation”—the Gentiles—who would come to embrace the gospel. This prophecy speaks of the end of the old covenant and the establishment of a new covenant people, the Church.

Through the Gentiles coming into the faith, Israel would be provoked to jealousy, leading them to repent and recognise Jesus as the Messiah. This is not about condemning Israel but about fulfilling God’s redemptive plan for all nations, including the Jewish people.

Anti-Semitic? Emphatically NO! #

Let me address this clearly: I am not anti-Semitic. The Jewish people have a significant role in God’s eternal plan. God loves Israel deeply and has made specific promises to them.

However, when the purpose of the Old Covenant was fulfilled in Christ, Israel ceased to be God’s exclusive chosen people. Romans 11:28 affirms that Israel is still beloved for the sake of the patriarchs, but the fulfilment of God’s promises is now realised through the New Covenant in Christ.

Romans 11:28 — “As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.” (ESV)

This does not mean that Jews are saved apart from Christ. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone. Israel, like every nation, must come to Christ by the same means: repentance and faith in the gospel.

God’s Love for Israel #

While the physical descendants of Israel have a unique place in God’s plan, Romans 9:27 shows us that simply being a descendant of Abraham does not guarantee salvation:

“Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved.’” (ESV)

The Apostle Paul echoes this truth in Romans 9:6-8 when he says that not all who are descended from Israel are true Israel. God’s love for Israel remains, but they must come to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

First Fruits: Pentecost and the Church #

The feast of Pentecost symbolised the first fruits of the harvest, marking the beginning of the new era after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Acts 2 records the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, marking the beginning of the Church age.

The early Church comprised both Jewish believers and Gentiles who came to faith through the Gospel. This is what the apostle Paul calls the “first fruits” of the new covenant people of God. Romans 11:16 speaks to this connection:

“If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump. And if the root is holy, so are the branches.” (ESV)

Pentecost symbolised the first gathering of God’s people, both Jews and Gentiles, into the Church—the spiritual Israel. This new covenant Israel began at Pentecost and continues to grow and spread across the earth.

Times of the Gentiles #

Luke 21:24 speaks of the time known as “the times of the Gentiles,” which is the era in which we live:

“They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (ESV)

This time refers to the period in which the Gospel is being preached to all nations. The Kingdom of God is not just for Israel; it is for the Gentiles as well. This is the time when God’s Messiah, Jesus, is dealing with the nations through His Church, calling them into His Kingdom.

The fullness of the Gentiles refers to the completion of this mission. When the Gospel has been preached to all nations and all whom God has chosen are brought into the Kingdom, then the time will be fulfilled.

Fullness of the Gentiles #

Paul explains the mystery of the fullness of the Gentiles in Romans 11:25:

“Lest you be wise in your own sight, I want you to understand this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” (ESV)

The fullness of the Gentiles refers to the time when the Church has fulfilled its mission of discipling all nations. This includes the nations where the gospel has yet to reach.

Once the Gospel has been preached and accepted by the Gentiles, the Jewish people will see the blessings of Abraham flowing to the Gentiles and be provoked to jealousy, leading them to recognise Jesus as their Messiah.

Today, We Are Israel #

In Christ, we are the true Israel, the circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29). The spiritual promises given to Israel in the Old Covenant are now extended to the Church—the new Israel. We are called to disciple the nations, including Israel, and to teach them the ways of the Kingdom.

Romans 2:29 — “But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” (ESV)

The nations belong to us. The promise of God to fill the earth with His glory is being realised through the Church, as we proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom and bring every nation into submission to the reign of Christ.

Builders of Israel: The Rejected Stone #

In Matthew 21:42, Jesus quotes a powerful passage from Scripture that speaks directly to the rejection of the Messiah by the leaders of Israel. He says:

“Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; This was from the Lord, And it is marvelous in our eyes?” (ASV)

This statement is both a prophetic declaration and a rebuke to the religious leaders of Israel. But to truly understand it, we must dive into the meaning of the passage, exploring its context, the identity of the “builders,” and the prophetic significance of the “stone.”

The Builders: Who Are They? #

Jesus asks, “Did ye never read?” This is a rhetorical question that points to the failure of Israel’s leaders—the chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees—to understand the Scriptures they claimed to follow.

The “builders” refer to the religious leaders, the ones entrusted with overseeing the spiritual welfare of Israel. In the context of the vineyard parable (Matthew 21:33-46), the “builders” are the ones who were tasked with building up God’s people and keeping them faithful to His Word. Yet, instead of nurturing the true faith, they rejected the very One God had sent.

The religious leadership was meant to be the caretakers of Israel’s faith and its relationship with God. They were the “builders” of the house of Israel. However, as we read in the Gospels, they rejected Jesus, the cornerstone of God’s plan. This rejection was the fulfilment of the prophecy in Psalm 118:22:

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.”

The imagery of “stone” in this passage is incredibly significant. It not only refers to the Messiah, but also to the foundational role He plays in God’s plan of redemption.

David’s Son: The Builder of the House #

God had made a promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, which serves as the backdrop for the entire concept of the “house” that Jesus refers to. In these verses, God promises David that:

“When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

This promise was twofold: David’s son would be both the king of Israel and the one who would build a house for God. The “house” here refers to the Temple, which Solomon (David’s son) would eventually build.

However, there is a deeper, more lasting fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who is the true Son of David. Christ not only fulfils the promise to sit on David’s throne forever (a promise God made to David), but He also establishes an everlasting spiritual house—the Church—made up of living stones.

Thus, Jesus is both the Builder and the Foundation. The temple that was to be built was no longer a physical structure of bricks and mortar, but a spiritual temple, built from those who are in Christ.

The Rejection and Triumph of the Stone #

The “stone” that was rejected by the builders—the religious leaders of Israel—represents Jesus Christ, who was despised and rejected by the very people He came to save. His rejection, suffering, and death on the cross were foretold by the prophets, including in Isaiah 53:3:

“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”

This rejection, however, would not be the end. Jesus would rise from the dead, triumphing over death and sin. He would then ascend to the right hand of God, where He would be seated on the throne of David, as foretold in Psalm 110:1:

“The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’”

This is the moment when the stone that was rejected by Israel is exalted by God Himself. The stone, now the chief cornerstone of God’s eternal kingdom, is established in heaven and becomes the foundation of the Church, the spiritual house of God.

The Cornerstone: The Foundation of All Things #

The chief cornerstone is critical to the foundation of a building. It is the first stone laid, and it sets the direction and integrity of the whole structure. Jesus, as the cornerstone, is the foundation of the entire Kingdom of God, both in the heavens and on earth. This stone not only supports the Church but also is the determining factor for all of history and all of God’s redemptive work.

Acts 4:11 further emphasises this truth:

“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.” (ESV)

The Marvel of God’s Work #

As Jesus declares in Matthew 21:42, “This was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” The rejection of the Messiah, though tragic, was part of God’s perfect plan.

The marvel lies in how God took the most rejected and despised moment in history—the crucifixion of Jesus—and turned it into the cornerstone of salvation. The very stone that was rejected becomes the foundation of the new creation.

Jesus as the Fulfilment of the Promise #

To see the full beauty of this truth, we must understand the chain of connections:

The Promise to David: God promises that David’s son will build a house for Him (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

The Rejection of the Stone: The religious leaders (the builders) reject the true Son of David, Jesus Christ (Matthew 21:42, Psalm 118:22).

The Triumph of the Stone: The rejected stone is exalted by God to become the chief cornerstone of the new, eternal Kingdom (Acts 4:11, Ephesians 2:20).

The Church as the House of God: Believers, who are now “living stones,” are built together into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5).

Theological Significance #

The theological depth of this passage cannot be overstated. Jesus is the true and final fulfilment of all that was promised to Israel. The Kingdom He inaugurates is not a kingdom of this world but one that transcends earthly politics and structures. He is the chief cornerstone, the foundation upon which the Church stands.

For us today, this should inspire both awe and deep reflection. Just as the builders of Israel rejected Jesus, we too can be tempted to reject His lordship over our lives. But when we accept Him as the cornerstone, we are invited into a Kingdom that will never pass away, built on the unshakeable foundation of Christ Himself.

Romans 9:33 gives us this final thought:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Let us not reject the cornerstone but build our lives on Him, the foundation of all things, and be part of the eternal house of God.

In Christ,
Shaliach.