Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 21:38

"But the husbandmen, when they saw the son, said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and take his inheritance." — Matthew 21:38 (ASV)

This is the heir — What we learn from other scriptures enables us to understand the feelings with which the priests and scribes must have heard these words. Caiaphas had already given the counsel that one man should die for the people (John 11:49). Among those who knew of this and did not protest were many who believed in Him, yet, for fear of the Pharisees, did not confess Him (John 12:42). The words of the parable showed that they stood face to face with One who knew the secrets of their hearts and had not deceived Himself about the outcome of the conflict in which He was now engaged.