LUKE 20:9–19
The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people
(Luke 20:19).
Some parables make a single point, and all the details are simply designed to drive home that point. In other parables, there is a major point, but the details all have symbolic significance. The parable before us today is virtually an allegory, and this is clear from the fact that the Jews understood it that way.
A man planted a vineyard—the vineyard in the Old Testament is a common symbol for Israel, and thus the man who planted the vineyard was God. God had planted this vineyard by creating a covenant people.
The vineyard was rented out to some farmers—this refers to the religious leaders of Israel to whom God had committed the stewardship of His covenant people.
The owner sent a series of servants to the vineyard, but the evil farmers beat up and abused each of them—this is a capsule summary of the history of Old Testament Israel. For generation after generation, the people of God were led by dishonest priests and false prophets, and did not bring forth the fruits He desired. God from time to time would send prophets to bring about reformation, but Israel abused and killed the prophets.
Finally the owner decided to send his son—this clearly refers to the Father sending Jesus. It was obvious to those hearing the parable that Jesus was proclaiming His unique Sonship.
The evil farmers decided to kill the son in order to seize control of the vineyard—here Jesus points an accusing finger at the priests and teachers of the Law. One of the reasons they hated Him was that He threatened their control over the “vineyard.”
The evil farmers kill the son, but the owner avenges him, kills the evil farmers, and gives the vineyard to others—this is a prediction of Jesus’ death, the coming destruction of Jerusalem when God avenges Him, and the transfer of the kingdom to the Gentiles.
CORAM DEO
Jeremiah 27–28
2 Timothy 4
Notice the reaction of the leaders in verses 17–19. How is this same reaction to the Gospel seen today? Despite this hostility, how are you perhaps called to courageously proclaim this difficult message?
For further study: 1 Kings 21:1–29; tape #B57INT.82/83
wednesday
october