What Jesus Did! 'I'll Send My Son' — Matthew 21:37-39

Monday, October 9, 2017

"So the man decided to send his son to the farmers. The man said, 'The farmers will respect my son.' "But when the farmers saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the owner's son. This vineyard will be his. If we kill him, then it will be ours!' So the farmers took the son, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him."
— Matthew 21:37-39 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 21:37-39 NLT — "So the man decided to send his son to the farmers. The man said, 'The farmers will respect my son.' "

Key Thought

God had repeatedly sent his servants, the prophets, but they were abused and ignored. So God carried out his ultimate plan at just the right time. He sent his Son. The Royal Prince of Glory, the Creator and Sustainer of life, became human flesh. He was born and placed in a manger. But the issue is not the Son and how he came to earth. The issue is with the wicked hearts of humankind who wanted religion their way, on their terms, with their outcomes. So rather than recognizing Jesus as Lord, they threw him out of their people and humiliated and killed him in shame. Yes, that's what they did, and in our own way, that's what we do with the Royal Prince of Glory.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, I would like to think that I would not have rejected Jesus when he came. I want to believe that I would have recognized him as your Son and Israel's Messiah, the Royal Prince of Glory. But I know my own weakness and selfishness. I know my reluctance to do what is right when no one else does. So today, Father, I ask you to forgive me for those failures and empower me to stand and live for the Royal Prince of Glory, Jesus of Nazareth, today and the rest of my life. Thank you for loving me so much to send such a gift, such a Son, and such a Savior. In Jesus' glorious name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 3:16-17
  • Matt. 26:63-68
  • 1 John 3:16-18

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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