PARABLE OF THE VINE GROWER

Luke 20:9-18

 

 

This parable actually comes from the question that was asked of Jesus in verse two: “Tell us by what authority You do these things, or, who is the one who gave You this authority?”  Though Jesus did not answer the officials directly, He implied that the source of His authority was the same as John the Baptist.  It was “to the people”, the crowds, that Jesus was willing to state His source of authority.

 

The setting of the parable was in keeping wit the customs of the day.  The owner of the vineyard planted the vines and expected to receive a profit for his efforts.

He planted the vineyard, rented it out and went on a long journey.

 

In this parable there are three groups of people that we will look at.

Not including the owner, we have:

 

  1.   The Slaves

Harvest time came and the owner sent three different slaves to collect some of the produce.  Each of the three slaves was treated cruelly and sent away empty handed.  The slaves were doing only what the owner wanted them to do.

 

We are the Master’s servants today.  If we are abused and rejected then we can place ourselves in this group that was doing only what the master said.

 

  1.   The Vine Growers

The wicked vine-growers had no respect for their master’s authority or power.  The vine-growers treated each slave differently, but badly.  The wicked vine-growers kept everything, although they did not have the authority to do so, since they did not own the vineyard.

The Master has given us a vineyard (mission field) to work and produce fruit in today.  How do we respect His Authority and power when He asks us for some return?

 

  1.   The Cornerstone

The Master’s patience and love is tried to the fullest extent. He was now willing to send His beloved Son.  In verse 14 the vine-growers reasoned with each other to kill the heir that the inheritance might be theirs.  They took him out of the vineyard and killed him.

The rejected heir was to be the very stone, which would have the prominent position.

The primary meaning is “cornerstone”, a large stone at the foundation corner of two walls.  In this position it became a guide for the shape and straightness of the walls.

In His position today, He shapes and straightens our lives today.

 

The conclusion of the parable tells of the judgment which came upon the wicked vine-growers.  Jesus stated in verse 18 that whoever resisted the stone would come to ruin.

 

Today, you and I can fall on that stone, Who is Christ Jesus, and be saved…..

 

 

 

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