In the parable for
this Sunday Jesus tells about the vineyard, think of God as the owner while the
vineyard is Israel. The son is Jesus and the murder of the heir to the vineyard
is, of course, a reference to the crucifixion. This interpretation tells us
that the parable is probably frpm the early days of the church.
At this point in Jesus’
ministry, although he had gained a popularity with the people, the scribes and
chief priests had been questioning His authority and even had begun to look for
ways to kill Him. (19:47) Jesus spoke this parable, a depiction of God’s relationship
with His people for the benefit of all within hearing range. He was fully away
of the presence of those leaders who wanted so much to be rid of Him.
In the parable; packed
with truths in allegorical form, the Savior teaches us.
He tells us about
God – God is the owner of our world
and is entitled to rent. God is patient with us.
Three times, He sent a
servant, then a son. God’s patience has an end-judgment that will be enacted.
God has no other plan to reconcile us – Christ was His only Son. He can do no
more. If the world does not accept Christ, nothing but destruction lies ahead.
He tells us about
Christ. He is God’s Son. Others
before Him were only “servants.” He holds a unique position with God the
Father, an intimacy and a oneness. He was sent by God – to receive us our
obligation to God. Jesus has a mission. He was obedient to God’s will. He knew
that His end was death at the hands of wicked men. His death was not an
accident, not bad luck, not forced. In obedience to God, He faced the cross
courageously and voluntarily. The parable announces His approaching end.
He tells us about mankind. Man is only a steward, not the owner. As such, he
owes God a return. Man is a rebel – in constant rebellion against God. He
refuses to render to God what is God’s. He rejects servants and son. Man wants
to be the owner-God.
He refuses to give God his portion and hopes to take
over the vineyard by killing the son. Man is prone to violence – beating and
killing servants and son. Elijah was driven into the wilderness. Isaiah was
sawn asunder. Zachariah was stoned to death before the altar. John the Baptizer
was beheaded. Jesus was crucified.
A prayer for
help in times of temptation – Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You
have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by
Your Holy Spirit that in our daily need and especially in all time of
temptation, we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your Word,
obtain all that You have promised; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[1] Collect for reconciliation and for help in times of temptation, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
No comments:
Post a Comment