He [Jesus] began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.’ So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Heaven forbid!” But He looked at them and said, “What then does this text mean:
‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?
Everyone who falls on that Stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” When the scribes and chief priests realized that He had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on Him at that very hour, but they feared the people. Luke 20:9-19.
George Bush said, “What happens in your home is more important than what happens in the White House.” We can talk politics or we can talk Christ. When you stop to tell your family a parable of Jesus then you create a learning moment. Should you repeat this parable of Jesus about the vineyard and the wicked servants then I believe you’ll encounter a few questions.
Perhaps this is a parable meant more for teenage and adult ears rather than young tender hearts. For the slaves sent to collect for the tenant owner are the Prophets, and the son of the tenant Owner is the Son of God Jesus. Slaves are beaten and the son is killed.
The Stone that has been rejected is Jesus (Psalm 118:22-23). The scribes, chief priests, and elders are the wicked men, listening, and probably Jesus pointed to them as He spoke.
What does this mean for our families today? Simply put, all must receive salvation from Jesus. Our littlest ones need to hear about Him daily and learn to pray in His Name. For our older kids and spouses, just as soon as rebellion and immoral or untruthful behavior appears then, my friend, pray and pray hard— put on the whole armor of God and speak Jesus, even where there is not opportunity, speak about Jesus. Salvation time at home is priority.
To God be the Glory!
Rev. Patricia E. Walker,
