1. Israel: God’s Old Testament Vineyard
Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:16-30

2. Introduction Biblical metaphors that contrast the Church from Israel
The sheep and the Shepherd
One new fold; one new food
The temple and it’s Priesthood
Living stone and living sacrifices
The Body of Christ
One body, functioning properly; maturing completely

3. Introduction
Now the metaphor of the Church as God’s vine that supernaturally produces His fruit (manifestation of Divine Life).
First we must contrast God’s former vineyard/vine: Israel.

4. The OT Venue, Law, and Value of a Literal Grape Vineyard
fenced/hedged
Planted
Winepress
tower

5. The OT Venue, Law, and Value of a Literal Grape Vineyard
Law of the vineyard
3,4,and 5 year restrictions
7th year Sabbath and 50 year Jubilee
The poor and animal could ear of the fruit but no pruning, digging or harvesting by the owner.
Anyone could enter a vineyard and eat till they were full, but couldn’t carry any grapes out of the vineyard

6. The OT Venue, Law, and Value of a Literal Grape Vineyard
The Value
Fresh grapes
Unfermented juice
Boiled syrup (‘dibs’ used as a condiment)
Raisins
Fermented wine

7. The Vineyard: God’s Picture of the Fruitful Purpose of Israel
God’s choice of Israel as His Vineyard
Ps 80:8; Isa 5:7a
God’s purpose for this Vineyard (cf Ex 19:8)
Isa 5:7b “Judgment and righteousness”
Understanding what is right, then doing what is right
Jer 2:20-21a “A noble vine; a wholly right seed”

8. Israel’s Rejection to Produce the Proper Fruit
Jer 2:21
Hos 10:1
cf Deut 32:32

9. Jesus’ Three Parables Concerning Israel, God’s Vineyard (no direct application the Church)
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard
Matt 20:1-16
5 groups of laborers dating from John the Baptizer through the end of the Tribulation

10. Jesus’ Three Parables Concerning Israel, God’s Vineyard (no direct application the Church)
The parable of the two sons and their father’s vineyard
Matt 21:28-32
Two contrasting responses to the Father’s request for their labor in His vineyard

11. Jesus’ Three Parables Concerning Israel, God’s Vineyard (no direct application the Church)
The parable of the householder’s vineyard and the wicked tenant farmers
Matt 21:33-43
God changes fruit-bearing from a self-effort arrangement (under law), to divine enablement (under grace)

12. Conclusion
NT grace believers (the Church) are now given the privilege, enablement, and responsibility to produce the fruit of righteousness (the fruit of the Holy Spirit) to the glory of our Father, and of our Savior.