July 25
Mark 12:1-12
Remember that Jesus is telling this parable not only to the crowd of people, but to the same church leaders and elders from yesterday's passage. Let's talk about what the parable means. The vineyard was often used as a symbol for Israel (like the fig tree from a few days back). "You brought us from Egypt like a grapevine; you drove away the pagan nations and transplanted us into you land." (Psalm 80:8 NLT) In those days, an owner had to receive some of the fruits or vegetables from the land in order to maintain ownership. That explains why the tenants didn't want to give up any of the grapes. The owner in the parable sent many servants to collect the produce, just as God sent people ahead of Jesus to prepare the way. John the Baptist was sent, and also put to death like the men in the story. Finally the owner sends his son. It is significant that he sent his son on the fourth year, because "in the fourth year the entire crop must be consecrated to the Lord as a celebration of praise." (Leviticus 19:24 NLT) God also sent His Son to do the job that no one before Him could do. In the parable, the son is killed just as Jesus is about to be. God gave His people of Israel many chances to come back to Him, but they did not. They rejected Jesus over and over. All of the servants being killed or beaten represents all the chances Israel had to repent and didn't. Next, Jesus asks the elders "When the owner of the vineyard returns, what do you think he will do to those farmers?" In the Matthew account of this parable, the church leaders answer by saying, "He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest." (Matthew 21:41 NLT) In other words, because Israel rejected Jesus, their privileges were taken away and given to the Gentiles. We are fortunate to have a forgiving God that offers us second chances (and thirds and fourths...). But if we don't take any of those chances, if we reject God, then....well... for lack of a better term, we're screwed!
Principle: Even though God offers many chances, ultimate rejection results in missing eternal life and in being set aside from useful service.
Application:
1. How am I demonstrating responsibility for what God has entrusted to me?
2. What is my response to God's beloved Son, Jesus Christ?
3. What truth in Scripture have I understood but rejected?
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LOL! "We're Screwed." I should use that as a title in a sermon and put it out on the sign in front of the church!
ReplyDelete'They will respect my son.' This convicts me. When my son doesn't do what I say I sometimes tell him, "I feel like you don't respect me." So God must feel the same when we don't do what His Son says. Lord, I want to show my respect through my obedience.
Question #3 … The truth of obedience jumps out at me. In the BSF study of Moses, I was very convicted of the theme of obedience. I had tried to resume a long distance Bible study with a family member (babe in Christ) who has no one to share her faith with. We were consistent at first but then long periods of time would pass just because of “life”. Shame on me. So now the convictions start again. I do not want to miss another chance to be sharing God's word. I am glad that the Holy Spirit keeps tugging at me to be obedient. "Trust and Obey" (love that song!) I don’t want to be set aside from useful service. I will try again, but this time with a foundation of prayer and the knowledge of question #1… taking responsibility for what God has entrusted to me.
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