This parable is sometimes called the parable of the wicked tenants. It is often interpreted as an allegory where Jesus is foretelling how he will be rejected by the Jews. To understand this parable, however, it is important for us to read it in the context of the other parables Jesus is telling at the time. On the day Jesus tells this parable, he begins his teaching by cursing the fig tree for not bearing fruit. Then the Pharisees question his authority because he does not resemble or represent familiar sources of authority, such as rigorous interpretations of the law. Jesus responds with the parable of the two sons, which asks the essential question: “Who understood the heart of the father's will?” This is followed by our passage for today, where the wicked tenants seek to disrespect the vineyard owner by doing whatever they can to usurp his resources. After this passage, the parable of the wedding banquet demonstrates the radically inclusive love of God.

The author of this Gospel is writing to a Jewish audience and is set on showing them that Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, which has foretold that the Messiah would be rejected. However, when we listen to the other stories being told in these chapters, we can hear the deeper story of what was so offensive to the Pharisees. The overall theme of these parables is that God’s heart is not centered in rigorous pursuit of the law but bends toward justice and radical inclusion of all people. In welcoming others, we are respecting God and bearing fruit. How can we choose to reject having greedy, cold hearts like the tenants and instead move toward celebrating the abundance of God’s resources and seeking to welcome all those who come to us as God-in-disguise?