Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
— Matthew 21:43 (KJV)
This solemn declaration by our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 21:43 marks a pivotal point in His teaching to the religious leaders of Israel. To fully understand its weight, we must consider the context and implications of this profound statement.
1. Context and Meaning
Jesus spoke these words after sharing the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33–41), which illustrated the unfaithfulness of the leaders of Israel. The tenants—symbolizing the religious elite—rejected and killed the landowner’s servants and even his son, mirroring how the prophets and eventually Jesus Himself were treated.
In response to their rejection of God’s messengers and ultimately His Son, Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom of God, once entrusted to Israel, would be taken from them and given to a nation producing its fruit. This “nation” is not defined by ethnicity but by spiritual identity—those who live by faith in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles alike, forming the body of Christ, the Church.
2. The Kingdom of God and Its Fruit
The Kingdom of God is not simply a physical territory but a divine rule characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). It requires obedience, faith, and fruitfulness. The fruits referred to here are the visible evidences of God’s rule in a person’s life—love, faith, righteousness, compassion, humility, and devotion.
As a church, and particularly as members of Faith Assembly in Uxbridge, we are called to be that “nation” bearing fruit. It is not enough to hear the Word; we must do it (James 1:22). Our faith must manifest in service, holiness, evangelism, and love for one another.
3. A Warning and a Call
Matthew 21:43 is both a warning and an invitation. It reminds us that privilege without purpose leads to loss. The religious leaders had the Law, the Prophets, and the Temple, yet failed to produce the fruit of the Kingdom. As modern believers, we have the Holy Spirit, the full counsel of Scripture, and the fellowship of the Church. The question is—are we bearing fruit?
Let this be a call to examine ourselves: Are we living lives that honor the King? Are we faithful stewards of His grace? Are we leading others to Christ and exemplifying the character of the Kingdom?
4. Encouragement in Faith
The beauty of God’s grace is that, while this verse carries a stern warning, it also offers great hope. God is still calling people into His Kingdom. If we repent, trust in Christ, and walk in obedience, we are part of that fruitful nation. We are heirs of the Kingdom not by merit but by mercy.
Let us then continue to walk in faith, hope, and love, showing forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Prayer:
Lord, help us to be a people who bring forth the fruits of Your Kingdom. May we not only receive Your grace but also reflect Your glory in our daily lives. Keep us faithful, fruitful, and focused on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen