21:40,41
Jesus then asks them what the landowner would do when he came back to the vineyard. The hearers knew full well what he would do, and agreed that he would be absolutely justified in doing this. So they could see the truth and justice of the matter. This is part of the reason that Jesus used parables. Sometimes when we use direct teaching people will just react defensively. If, instead, we use an oblique approach people will focus on the actual matter and see things for what they are. Nathan the prophet used this approach when he confronted David with the truth of his adultery and murder, and the injustice of what he had done.
21:42-44
Having given the parable, Jesus then does speak directly. He quotes from Psalm 118:22,23. Jesus is the stone the builders rejected, but the builders rejection was not the determining factor. For the Lord had chosen the Son, so despite the builders rejecting the stone, it still became the cornerstone. Likewise, today many may reject Christ, but that will not change anything, for God has chosen Christ. Christ was not chosen by men, but was sent by God. Man does nothing more irrelevant than when he declares there is no God. Irrelevant that is for the destiny of the world, but sadly very relevant for his own life. For the one who rejects the cornerstone will be crushed by it!
2:45,46
After using a parable Nathan spoke directly to David. David responded by realising his great guilt and repenting. The religious leaders here responded quite differently. They knew that Jesus was speaking about them, but instead of acknowledging the error of their ways and repenting, they plotted to arrest Jesus. However, they could not do this at the time for fear of the crowds, who were spiritually more astute than they were!
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