Word@Work Luke296 - Luke 20:15b-16
Published: Fri, 02/18/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
THE END TO REBELLION
Luke 20:15b-16 "What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When the people heard this, they said, "May this never be!" (NIV)
Jesus was telling a story about rebellious tenant farmers who had no respect for the owner of the vineyard or his representatives or his son. Indeed, they decided to kill the son assuming that they would then inherit the property as sitting tenants. So Jesus challenged His listeners, "What is the right thing for the vineyard owner to do?" Clearly, those who had been left in charge of the farm had demonstrated their untrustworthiness. The only sensible conclusion would be for the owner to dismiss the farm managers and employ others who could be trusted.
The people knew from the Old Testament metaphors that the vineyard was Israel and that the owner was God. Whether or not they recognised Jesus as being God the Son, it was clear that Jesus did. Speaking just a few days before His crucifixion, He accurately predicted His own death. And He also accurately predicted that God's exclusive favour towards His chosen people would end; and that others (Gentiles) could be allowed the full rights of being in God's family because of Jesus (Ephesians 3:2-6). However, His listeners understood enough about the story to be shocked at the thought that God would dismiss Israel from it's unique relationship with God and allow the Gentiles to enter His kingdom.
We all like to have exclusive privileges. That is why many people join clubs, shopping discount schemes and foster family relationships. For many, their religion is a special sort of club. Every organisation has conditions of entry and rules for membership; religious people specialise in obeying the rules. That way they do not prejudice the apparent security which their membership brings. However, following Christ and trusting Him is not that sort of relationship. It does not depend upon our goodness or pious observance - but on believing and receiving His grace. So, think for a moment about your friends and colleagues who are caught up in Christ-less religion which can never satisfy God's holiness. All such piety will mean nothing when Jesus Christ returns, but those who have come to Him in repentance and faith will never be turned away or cast out (John 6:37). Paradoxically, it is only through Christ's death that the blessings can come to the Gentiles ... and not just the Gentiles, for also every Jew who believes will also be welcomed and received as a child of God.
Prayer: Gracious Father. Thank You for Your new covenant which simply demands that I come to Jesus Christ and receive forgiveness because of His death on my behalf. I pray also for my Jewish and other religious friends that they too may hear and respond to the gospel and no longer be alienated from You, but welcomed and received into Your eternal kingdom. In Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Jesus was telling a story about rebellious tenant farmers who had no respect for the owner of the vineyard or his representatives or his son. Indeed, they decided to kill the son assuming that they would then inherit the property as sitting tenants. So Jesus challenged His listeners, "What is the right thing for the vineyard owner to do?" Clearly, those who had been left in charge of the farm had demonstrated their untrustworthiness. The only sensible conclusion would be for the owner to dismiss the farm managers and employ others who could be trusted.
The people knew from the Old Testament metaphors that the vineyard was Israel and that the owner was God. Whether or not they recognised Jesus as being God the Son, it was clear that Jesus did. Speaking just a few days before His crucifixion, He accurately predicted His own death. And He also accurately predicted that God's exclusive favour towards His chosen people would end; and that others (Gentiles) could be allowed the full rights of being in God's family because of Jesus (Ephesians 3:2-6). However, His listeners understood enough about the story to be shocked at the thought that God would dismiss Israel from it's unique relationship with God and allow the Gentiles to enter His kingdom.
We all like to have exclusive privileges. That is why many people join clubs, shopping discount schemes and foster family relationships. For many, their religion is a special sort of club. Every organisation has conditions of entry and rules for membership; religious people specialise in obeying the rules. That way they do not prejudice the apparent security which their membership brings. However, following Christ and trusting Him is not that sort of relationship. It does not depend upon our goodness or pious observance - but on believing and receiving His grace. So, think for a moment about your friends and colleagues who are caught up in Christ-less religion which can never satisfy God's holiness. All such piety will mean nothing when Jesus Christ returns, but those who have come to Him in repentance and faith will never be turned away or cast out (John 6:37). Paradoxically, it is only through Christ's death that the blessings can come to the Gentiles ... and not just the Gentiles, for also every Jew who believes will also be welcomed and received as a child of God.
Prayer: Gracious Father. Thank You for Your new covenant which simply demands that I come to Jesus Christ and receive forgiveness because of His death on my behalf. I pray also for my Jewish and other religious friends that they too may hear and respond to the gospel and no longer be alienated from You, but welcomed and received into Your eternal kingdom. In Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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