Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 21:41

"They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will let out the vineyard unto other husbandmen, who shall render him the fruits in their seasons." — Matthew 21:41 (ASV)

They say, etc. They answered as they knew people would act and would act justly in doing so. He would take away their privileges and confer them on others. This was the answer Jesus wished. It was so clear that they could not answer otherwise.

He wished to show them the justice of taking away their national privileges and punishing them in the destruction of their city and nation. Had he stated this at first, they would not have heard him. He, however, by a parable led them along to state, themselves, the very truth he wished to communicate. And they then had nothing to answer; however, they did not yet see the bearing of what they had admitted.

"Other husbandmen": Luke 21:24; Romans 9:26; Romans 11:11.