Stewards Not Owners
Series: Kingdom Stories For Everyday Life
Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46

The parables were meant to blast people into new _______________, new _________________, and new ________________.
The land owner went above and beyond in setting up a ______________ for __________________.

The Characters:
• Landowner = ______________
• Tenants = ________________
• Servants = ________________
• Son = __________________

It’s all an __________________ of ___________________ history.

Key lessons for us:
1. God’s incredible ________________.
• v33 - he _____________, set, dug, _____________, lent, and _____________.
• The landowner placed a phenomenal amount of ________________ in his ________________.
• There is an ___________ to God’s patience.

2. We now have the _________________.
• We ’re going to be held _______________________ by God.
• We’re ______________ not ________________.
• God has given us all that we need to _____________ ____________ our _________ as God’s people.

3. The crucified Christ is still the __________________.
• As we place him ____________ in our lives, at the very center, the fruit that God seeks will develop and grow and be seen in our lives.

TALK IT OVER

Start talking.
• Have you ever heard a story that changed your perspective once you understood the meaning?
• Why do you think Jesus often used stories (parables) instead of just stating truth directly?
• When have you realized you misunderstood something after having a sudden “aha” moment?

Start thinking:
• In the parable, what does the landowner do to prepare the vineyard? What does this reveal about God?
• Why is the behavior of the tenants so shocking?
• What do the servants and the son represent in this story?
• Why do the religious leaders answer Jesus’ question so confidently?
• What does Jesus mean when He says the rejected stone becomes the cornerstone?

Start Sharing:
• The tenants began acting like owners instead of stewards. Where are we tempted to do the same?
• What “fruit” do you think God desires to see in our lives?
• How does remembering that everything belongs to God change the way we live?
• Is there an area of your life where Christ isn’t truly the cornerstone?

Start Praying:
• Thank God for His patience and grace.
• Ask God to help you live as a faithful steward rather than acting like an owner.
• Pray that Christ would truly be the cornerstone of your life.
• Ask God to produce spiritual fruit in your life that reflects Him.

Start Doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week
• Identify one area of your life that you need to surrender back to God this week.
• Look for one practical way to bear fruit (serve, forgive, encourage, give, share your faith).
• Spend time reflecting on what it means for Jesus to be the cornerstone of your life.
• Intentionally thank God daily for what He has entrusted to you and ask how to steward it well.