Jesus' second parable to the temple authorities is that of a vineyard prepared by its landowner in every way to bear fruit before going away. The tenants He left in charge were Israel and its leaders, who killed the servants God sent (the prophets) when they came to call for the fruit, knowing they none to show. After sending more servants with the same result, the landowner decides to send his son, who carries his father's authority as the heir of the vineyard. The wicked tenants kill the son thinking they will retain adverse possession.

When Jesus finally asks the religious leaders what the landowner should do to these tenants, they unknowingly pronounce sentence against themselves, not only that they should be brought to an end, but that the vineyard should be given to faithful stewards instead.

The kingdom of God was taken away from natural Israel and given to a holy nation that will bear its fruits: the church. Jews and Gentiles who do not reject the son will fulfill the purpose Israel was originally given: to faithfully steward God's vineyard.