Christian Reflection and Prayer

March 9, 2013

Read Luke 20:9-19.
TEXT: And He began to tell the people this
parable (see Luke 20:9).

The representatives of the Jewish high court
have been humiliated in front of the crowd.
They just want to slink back to the high
priest's house, but Jesus isn't done with
them yet. Since they won't be honest
enough to say what they truly feel about John
the Baptist, Jesus uses a parable that
answers their original question and asserts His
authority to carry on His ministry.

In His parable Jesus uses a few brush strokes
to quickly paint a picture of God's people. He
planted them in the Promised Land, as a man
would plant a vineyard. He lent His nation out
to the priests and religious leaders, who should
use His Word to tend His people and prepare
them to serve one another and glorify God with
their lives.

When the leaders failed to lead His people
correctly, God sent servant-prophets to call them
back to faithfully fulfill their work of leading the
nation in repentance, faith and good works. But
the leaders beat and mistreated the prophets and
sent them away empty-handed. Finally, the owner
sends His beloved Son-and they plot to kill Him.

The drama is intense. The leaders know Jesus is
speaking about them, and their rage and fury grow,
even as their hidden plan to murder God's own Son
is openly exposed by Jesus to all the pilgrims, who
have gathered at the temple courts in Jerusalem.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You loved the Jewish leaders and used
a parable they understood to reveal the enormity of
what they were planning to do. Help me see my sins
and run to You for forgiveness and peace. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)