The important question surrounding this parable is this: who owns the vineyard? Who was the one that planted, formed, and created the vineyard? Who was the one that brought purposeful work to the vineyard?

That question matters each and every step of the way--from the initial renting out of the vineyard’s work, through the ongoing operations of the vineyard, and up to the point that the owner comes back for his rightfully owned finished product.

When this question is truly pondered upon, it makes the efforts towards daily obedience and faithful stewardship less of a mere dutiful check-box and more of a joyful lifestyle. And unfortunately, it's apparent the tenants in this parable lost sight of that truth--the vineyard’s operations became more about them and their glory and inheritance, than it did become about producing genuine, fresh, abundant harvest of fruit for the owner upon his promised return.

Let us, the “others” [v. 16], not lose sight of the Owner and become haughty because of the invitation we have received to work and tend to this great vineyard. For remember, the Vineyard Owner will be coming back as promised, and will be expecting a great, fruitful harvest. And trust men, He will not walk away empty-handed then.

[Luke 20.9-18]

9 And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. 10 When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. 13 Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14 But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Surely not!” 17 But he looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written:

“‘The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone’?

18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ In terms of a parable, who does the man that planted the vineyard represent?

+ Who do the first tenants represent?

+ Who do the first 3 servants that the man sent represent?

+ Who is the son, in which the man wished the tenants would have respected? + And who are the “others” in v. 16?

+ What is the importance behind v. 9 saying that the man “went into another country for a long time”? How did this affect the initial tenants’ work morale?

+ What would an owner of a vineyard expect to be produced?

+ What do vv. 17-18 mean?

+ If you have extra time this morning or today, read through Romans 11.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do I view my walk as a follower of Jesus as a field upon a vineyard where fruit is to be tended to and harvested? Who or what is that fruit? Is it myself? My family? My friends? My coworkers? Strangers?

+ Do I see this vineyard as a dutiful check-box? Or, do I see it as a joyful lifestyle?

+ Do I get discouraged about the amount of time away the Owner takes before coming back? How does this affect my walk?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?