11.4 Christ’s Parable of the Vineyard
The Greatest Love—God’s Ultimate Sacrifice

Read Matthew 21:33–39 with the question from Isaiah 5:4 in mind. What more could God do than what He has already done?

The parable in Matthew 21:33–39 is a direct continuation of the message from Isaiah 5:4: “What more could be done for my vineyard that I have not already done?” God had provided everything for His people, yet instead of bearing faithful fruit, they rejected Him—even to the point of killing His own Son.

This story reveals the patient love of God. He sent His prophets to bring His people back, yet they were beaten and killed. Finally, He sent His Son in the hope that they would honor Him. But they crucified Him—a shocking revelation of human rebellion against God’s love.

What More Could God Have Done?
The cross answers this question definitively: nothing. God held nothing back. He could have used His power to immediately destroy evil—but then genuine love would not have been possible. Instead, He chose the path of suffering to fully reveal His nature.

1. The Cross as the Ultimate Demonstration of Justice and Love

   • Justice: Sin has consequences, yet Christ took upon Himself the penalty (Rom 3:25–26).

   • Love: God gave His own Son for a rebellious world (John 3:16; Rom 5:8).

2. God Suffers with Us

   • The cosmic conflict causes suffering, yet no one suffers more than God Himself.

   • The cross shows us not only God’s love but also His pain.

3. Our Responsibility

   • God has done everything to save us—now it is up to us to accept His invitation.

   • Do we ignore His love, or do we produce good fruit?

Conclusion              
God could do nothing further—He gave Himself completely. The cross is the irrefutable proof that God does not abandon either His justice or His love. Now it is up to us to respond—with faith, gratitude, and obedience.

Read Isaiah 53:4. Whose “disease” and “pains” did Christ bear on the cross? What should this tell us about all that God did for us and the price He paid for our redemption?

Isaiah 53:4: “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.”

Whose “disease” and “pains” Did Christ Bear?
Isaiah 53:4 makes it unmistakably clear that Christ took upon Himself our suffering, our guilt, and our sins. He did not suffer for His own transgressions—He was without sin (2 Cor 5:21)—but for those of all humanity.
• Our Disease: This can mean both physical suffering and the deeper “disease” of sin that separates us from God.
• Our Pains: Christ not only bore our sins but also the suffering they cause—our fears, worries, and afflictions.

What Does This Tell Us About God’s Love and the Price of Redemption?

1. Redemption Was No Easy Sacrifice, but an Inestimable Price

   • God could not simply “forgive” us without upholding justice. That is why Jesus Himself took the penalty (Isaiah 53:5).

   • The cross was not merely a symbolic act—Christ bore the full weight of sin, both physically and spiritually (Matt 27:46).

2. God Identified with Our Suffering

   • Jesus suffered as a man and can therefore fully understand our pain (Heb 4:15).

   • When we experience pain or loss, we can know: God understands this pain—He Himself bore it.

3. Our Salvation Was God’s Highest Priority

   • Isaiah 53:4 shows that God does not love from a distance—He went to the utmost to save us.

   • He could have saved Himself, but chose to die for us (Phil 2:6–8).

Conclusion
The fact that Christ bore our disease and pains shows us the depth of God’s love. Redemption was not a “small sacrifice” for God, but the highest price He could pay. When we look upon the cross, we see not only God’s justice but above all His boundless, self-sacrificing love.

The parable of the vineyard and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross hold not only historical or theological significance but also touch us personally in our daily lives. God withheld nothing; He gave everything—how do we respond?

1. The Cross as a Daily Reminder of God’s Love

   • When we feel unloved, unworthy, or alone, the cross reminds us: God has already proven His love for us.

   • Our worries and sufferings are real, but Jesus Himself bore our greatest pain (Isaiah 53:4). We are not alone.

   • Every new day is an opportunity to reciprocate God’s love—in our behavior, our decisions, and our trust in Him.

2. The Responsibility to Bear “Good Fruit”

   • In the parable of the vineyard (Matt 21:33–39) we see that God did everything for His people—but they rejected Him. Are we fruitful or unfruitful vines?

   • Our faith is shown in our actions. God does not expect perfection but a genuine, lived relationship with Him.

   • Every decision matters: Do we follow our own will, or are we ready to entrust our lives to God?

3. The Cross Helps Us Understand Suffering

   • We all experience pain and loss. Yet God did not stand by from afar—He suffered with us.

   • Jesus understands our suffering because He Himself experienced rejection, pain, and loneliness (Heb 4:15).

   • Instead of turning away from God in our pain, we can see Him as our hope and refuge (Ps 34:19).

Conclusion
The cross is not just an event of the past—it challenges us daily. God’s greatest love demands a response. Will we ignore it, or will we live our lives as “good fruit” for Him?
God gave everything for us—are we ready to entrust our lives to Him?

God held nothing back—His love is revealed in the cross; now it is up to us to respond.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-11-what-more-could-i-have-done-11-4-christs-parable-of-the-vineyard-the-god-of-love-and-justice-living-faith/

March 12, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Peter Chapter 3

¹ Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

² While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

³ Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

⁴ But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

⁵ For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

⁶ Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

⁷ Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

⁸ Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

⁹ Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

¹⁰ For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

¹¹ Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

¹² For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

¹³ And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

¹⁴ But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

¹⁶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

¹⁷ For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

¹⁸ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

¹⁹ By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

²⁰ Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

²¹ The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

²² Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

The third chapter of the First Epistle of Peter is addressed both to married couples and to the entire Christian community. It emphasizes the importance of a respectful and God-fearing way of life, especially within marriage, and highlights the role of gentleness, humility, and compassion. It also reminds us not to repay evil with evil but to seek God’s blessing and live righteously. The text concludes with an exalted depiction of the reign of Christ, who brings salvation and hope to humanity through His suffering and resurrection.

Commentary

1.Admonition to Women and Men (Verses 1–7)

• Submission and Inner Beauty of Women

  Peter calls on women to be submissive to their husbands, not out of compulsion, but as an expression of a God-fearing character. He particularly emphasizes the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is more precious in God’s sight than outward adornment. As an example, he cites Sarah, who showed respect to Abraham.

• Responsibility of Men

  Men, in turn, are to treat their wives with understanding and honor, since they are equally heirs of God’s grace. This shows that submission does not equate to oppression but is based on mutual respect and care.

2.Admonition to the Whole Community (Verses 8–17)

• The Christian Lifestyle

  The congregation is called to live in harmony, compassion, brotherly love, and kindness. It is especially important not to repay evil with evil, but rather to bless others.

• The Power of the Tongue

  Peter quotes Psalm 34 and urges restraint in speech: lying and evil words should be avoided, and peace should be sought instead.

• Suffering for the Sake of Righteousness

  Christians are not to be afraid if they are persecuted for their testimony of faith. Instead, they should focus on always being ready to defend their faith with gentleness and respect.

• Better to Suffer for Good than for Evil

  Those who suffer because of their good deeds do so according to God’s will—and this is better than suffering for wrongdoing.

3.The Lordship of Christ over All (Verses 18–22)

• Christ as an Example in Suffering

  Jesus suffered for the sins of humanity—the righteous for the unrighteous—in order to bring us to God.

• Proclamation to the Spirits in Prison

  This section is theologically challenging. One interpretation is that Christ proclaimed His message to the “spirits in prison,” meaning the disobedient souls from the time of Noah. Some see this as a declaration of victory over the powers of evil.

• The Significance of Baptism

  Baptism is compared to Noah’s ark. It is not merely an external ritual but a sign of a good conscience before God, sealed through the resurrection of Christ.

• Christ’s Reign

  Jesus sits at the right hand of God, and all powers and authorities are subject to Him. This underscores His absolute authority and dominion over everything.

Summary

First Peter 3 teaches believers to lead a life of respect, gentleness, and devotion to God. In marriage, husbands and wives are to honor each other and live together in love. The congregation is urged not to repay evil with evil but to pursue peace and seek blessing.

A particular focus is placed on suffering for the sake of righteousness: those who are persecuted for their faith should not be afraid but should defend their faith with gentleness and a clear conscience.

The chapter ends with a powerful depiction of Christ’s dominion. Through His suffering, His victory over death, and His exaltation to the right hand of God, He has laid the foundation for the salvation of believers. Baptism is highlighted as a sign of a new covenant with God, grounded in the resurrection of Jesus.

Central Message: A life according to God’s will involves humility, love, and a willingness to suffer for one’s faith. Yet through Christ—who has triumphed over all powers and authorities—believers have the assurance of eternal hope.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Spiritual growth in Christ is a central theme of the Christian life. Chapter 8 describes this growth using natural imagery such as birth, plants, and light, to illustrate how a believer matures in relationship with Christ. It makes clear that no one can generate spiritual life or bring themselves to salvation by their own efforts—only through Christ is true growth possible. By remaining in Him, we receive strength, joy, and steadfastness in faith. The invitation to complete surrender to Christ and to trust in His guidance lies at the heart of this chapter.

Commentary

1.Spiritual Growth as God’s Work (Introduction)

• The Bible compares spiritual growth to a birth (1 Peter 2:2) and to the growth of a seed (Ephesians 4:15).

• No one can produce life by their own power—just as spiritual life cannot arise without God’s work (John 3:3).

• Growth in Christ is not the result of human effort but of divine influence.

2.The Necessity of Connection with Christ

• Plants grow through light, water, and nourishment—likewise, the believer needs Christ as the “Sun of Righteousness” (Isaiah 60:19).

• Jesus emphasizes: “Remain in me”—without Him, a person cannot bear fruit (John 15:4–5).

• Many attempt to live righteously by their own strength, yet Christ is the only path to holiness.

3.Daily Surrender to God as the Key to Growth

• Daily prayer and complete surrender to God are essential for growth in faith.

• The relationship with Christ must be consistent and alive—He should not only be present at the beginning and end of our lives, but at every moment (Psalm 16:8).

• Our hope does not lie in ourselves but in Christ, who connects our weakness with His strength.

4.The Danger of Self-Centeredness and Distraction by Satan

• Satan constantly tries to divert the believer’s gaze from Christ—whether through worries, fears, or worldly temptations.

• The only security lies in complete dependence on Christ—not in self-reflection or self-doubt (Galatians 2:20).

• True spiritual growth occurs through trust, obedience, and continual connection with Christ.

5.The Examples of the First Disciples and Their Deep Fellowship with Christ

• The disciples grew through daily fellowship with Christ and were changed by the Holy Spirit.

• John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was transformed by closeness to Christ from an ambitious and fiery man into a symbol of love.

• This deep spiritual fellowship with Christ is still available to every believer today.

6.The Ongoing Presence of Christ in Our Lives

• After His ascension, Jesus remained united with His disciples through the Holy Spirit—He remains in the hearts of believers today in the same way.

• Life in Christ means not only following Him, but fully uniting oneself with Him.

• Christ is the author and finisher of our faith (Ephesians 4:15)—in Him lies our entire hope for growth and perfection.

Summary

Chapter 8 underscores the importance of spiritual growth in Christ. It shows that this growth is not achieved through human effort but solely through connection with Christ. Just as plants need light, water, and nourishment to thrive, the believer needs Christ as the source of life. Walking daily with Christ, engaging in consistent prayer, and surrendering fully to Him lead to spiritual maturity. The disciples of Jesus are an example of how close fellowship with Christ can completely transform a person’s nature. The invitation is: “Remain in me”—whoever remains in Christ grows in faith, bears fruit, and is transformed into His image.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/12-03-2025-1-peter-chapter-3-believe-his-prophets/