This verse is part of Jesus' parable of the tenants, where He describes a landowner who rents out his vineyard to tenants. When the time comes to collect his share of the harvest, the tenants mistreat and kill the servants sent by the owner, and eventually, they kill his son. Jesus asks the listeners what the owner will do to those tenants, and they respond that he will bring them to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to others who will fulfill their obligations.
The parable serves as an allegory for how God's people have treated His prophets and, ultimately, His Son, Jesus. The listeners' response underscores the expectation of justice and the idea that God will entrust His kingdom to those who are faithful and just. It emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of what God has given us and warns of the consequences of rejecting His messengers and His Son. This passage encourages believers to reflect on their own faithfulness and commitment to God's call.
