45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus' parables, they knew he was talking about them.
45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them.
45 When the religious leaders heard this story, they knew it was aimed at them.
45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.
45 When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them-they were the wicked farmers.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 21:45
Commentary on Matthew 21:33-46
(Read Matthew 21:33-46)
This parable plainly sets forth the sin and ruin of the Jewish nation; and what is spoken to convict them, is spoken to caution all that enjoy the privileges of the outward church. As men treat God's people, they would treat Christ himself, if he were with them. How can we, if faithful to his cause, expect a favourable reception from a wicked world, or from ungodly professors of Christianity! And let us ask ourselves, whether we who have the vineyard and all its advantages, render fruits in due season, as a people, as a family, or as separate persons. Our Saviour, in his question, declares that the Lord of the vineyard will come, and when he comes he will surely destroy the wicked. The chief priests and the elders were the builders, and they would not admit his doctrine or laws; they threw him aside as a despised stone. But he who was rejected by the Jews, was embraced by the Gentiles. Christ knows who will bring forth gospel fruits in the use of gospel means. The unbelief of sinners will be their ruin. But God has many ways of restraining the remainders of wrath, as he has of making that which breaks out redound to his praise. May Christ become more and more precious to our souls, as the firm Foundation and Cornerstone of his church. May we be willing to follow him, though despised and hated for his sake.