Definition: Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 21:33. It’s a really interesting story that’s often interpreted as about the church and its role in the world. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: The Householder: This refers to Jesus Christ, who is the “householder” of our lives. He represents God himself. The Vineyard: The vineyard is like the Church – it’s a place where God’s love and goodness are cultivated and nurtured. The Hedge & Winepress: Jesus describes this as a beautiful, well-protected area. He uses metaphors to show that the Church is being cared for and protected. A hedge around the vineyard means it's secure and valuable. The winepress is where the fruit (meaning God’s blessings and rewards) is harvested. The Tower: This represents the Church’s mission – its purpose in this world - which is to spread the Gospel (the good news of Jesus). It’s a tall, impressive structure meant to reach out and touch everyone. Husbandmen: These are people who work the land, and they're often seen as representing those who don't understand or value the Church’s work. They're allowed to take the fruit without caring for it. What Does It Mean? Jesus is saying that God wants His Church to be successful and thriving. He’s creating a beautiful, protected place (the vineyard) where He can nurture and grow His people. However, this place isn’t meant for anyone to take the fruit without giving back to the landowner (God). The Key Message: Jesus is saying that the Church needs to be diligent, hardworking, and focused on spreading God's message. It’s a call to action – to invest our time, energy, and efforts in sharing what we believe. It also highlights that God doesn't just care about the results of our work but also the effort we put into it. In short, it’s a story about God’s plan for His Church – to be successful, protected, and actively spreading His love and good news. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about the different interpretations of the parable? Give you a quick summary of its significance in the Bible?