What lesson is God teaching me? Vv. 9-12- In the parable, the owner made a vineyard and rented it out then went away for a long time but when it was time to collect the rent and he sent his servants to collect it, the tenants severely beat the servants, insulted them and kicked them out. This parable shows God as the owner, Israel as the vineyard (Isa 5; Ps 80:8) and the tenants as the religious leaders that are currently opposing Jesus. The servants that the owner sent are the prophets of God. God sent the prophets to appeal to the people to turn from idols but all throughout its history Israel did not listen to those words but persecuted the prophets and continued in the treason of the first person Adam. Even today the Lord is using various methods to show his expectations of us and point out what we are doing wrong in life. Even if the word comes painfully to us we must submit to the word in even deeper prayer.
Vv. 13, 14- When the son came instead of the owner, the tenants must have thought that the owner died from some type of disease. If that is the case then if the remaining heir, the son dies then the vineyard will become theirs so they killed the son. Jesus knew that those who were opposing him and asking difficult questions to push him into a corner were plotting to kill him. Jesus tells them that he has received authority from God from whom he was sent, and thus answers the question of the religious leaders asking from what authority he is doing all these things. Even today, Jesus cannot become the king and is dying for those who consider their portion, their position and their honor as more important than the Lord.
When Jesus the son asks me to observe his authority help me to humble myself and worship him.
