When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that he might receive from the tenants his share of the vineyard’s fruit.
The owner of the vineyard demanded fruit not in an unjust way, but from what was his own. This shows that God expected from His people the fruits of faith, righteousness, repentance, and a holy life. The servants who were sent were the prophets, through whom God reminded them of His rightful claim and called the people and the leaders to covenant faithfulness. The expression “The time came” shows God’s patient and orderly way of acting: He does not bring judgment hastily; first He speaks, warns, and gives an opportunity to bear fruit.