Jesus told another story to the people: “A man planted a vineyard. He handed it over to farmhands and went off on a trip. He was gone a long time. In time he sent a servant back to the farmhands to collect the profits, but they beat him up and sent him off empty-handed. He decided to try again and sent another servant. That one they beat black and blue, and sent him off empty-handed. He tried a third time. They worked that servant over from head to foot and dumped him in the street. Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘I know what I’ll do: I’ll send my beloved son. They’re bound to respect my son.’ But when the farmhands saw him coming, they quickly put their heads together. ‘This is our chance–this is the heir! Let’s kill him and have it all to ourselves.’ They killed him and threw him over the fence.” “What do you think the owner of the vineyard will do?” “Right. He’ll come and clean house. Then he’ll assign the care of the vineyard to others.” Those who were listening said, “Oh, no! He’d never do that!”‘
Luke 20:9–16
Again Jesus opens the next segment with another parable. There are many of them throughout the book of Luke. I am leaving this for you to read through and see what you can glean from it at the first step. You will need to look for connections between what has gone before and this segment to see how if it is linked in any way. What is the parable about? What is in focus? What is the point of comparison being used here. Remember to look in all directions. Remember to look at the big picture and to pay attention to the details as well. Use all the options and resources you have at your disposal.
This parable has been called:
- The Parable of Wicked Vinedressers,
- The Parable of the Vineyard and the Tenants,
- The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen,
- The Parable of the Wicked Wicked Tenants
- Parable of the Noble Vineyard Owner and His Son.
- What would you call it?
- Where should the emphasis be placed?
I don’t intend to say any more than that at the moment. I will leave you time to examine the parable first.
God allows a major test before a major blessing. The greater he intends to bless, the bigger the test will be.
Rick Warren
If you are on the wrong road, progress means.. walking back to the right road; ..the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.
C S Lewis
If you know that you’re a product of GRACE, it’s gonna be easier for you to be grateful, to be merciful, and to love others.
Ribka Yusuf Wijaya
People often hate the truth. Luckily, the truth doesn’t care!
Rick Godwin