Sending His Son

In today’s parable, we see the religious leaders of the time portrayed as the evil farmers. In the story, they were attempting to take over the vineyard. In the time when Jesus was teaching this parable, the religious leaders were trying to have their interpretation of the law and God’s word become the truth, rather than simply relying on God’s word alone and letting their faith lead and realizing who Jesus really was. Over and over we read how God sent His prophets to the world, only to have them rejected, disregarded or even killed by these religious elites and those in power.

If you were the owner of the vineyard, what would your response be? How would you treat those who were trying to take over your vineyard, hurting the people you sent to collect what was yours? I would be ready to fight for what was mine, rally the troops and march down to restore order. 

BUT GOD…
God was willing to take a gentler way. He loves all of us, so He tried to reach us directly. Rather than destruction, God chose love, “until there was only one left—his son whom he loved dearly. The owner finally sent him, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’” (‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

What person do you know who would ever do such a thing, sending their own son into such a situation? “Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.”(‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

As Jesus was teaching this parable, He was predicting His upcoming death in fulfillment of the scriptures and was answering the question as to where His authority came from. 

God loves His Son. God also loves each and every one of His children. This includes you, your neighbor, and your enemies. “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

When we come to know, accept and love Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we can have His peace and joy. We can rest in His love. “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118:22-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You are the unique Son of God. Thank You for all You have done for each and every one of us. I invite You into my life as my Lord and Savior. I will rejoice and be glad today for what You have done for me, for all my blessings and for the peace that only comes from knowing You. Thank You for freeing me from sin and healing my brokenness. Continue to transform me into who You created me to be, in Jesus’ name, Amen.