Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 21:37

"But afterward he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son." — Matthew 21:37 (ASV)

The tenants mistreat some servants (cf. Jeremiah 20:1–2), kill others (cf. 1 Kings 18:4, 13; Jeremiah 26:20–23), and stone others (cf. 2 Chronicles 24:21–22; Matthew 23:37). “Last of all” (v.37) the landowner sends his son—there is a note of pathos here—hoping the tenants will respect him. His forbearance with his wicked tenants (cf. Romans 2:4) eventually motivates the ultimate implacability of his wrath.