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| Volume 28 Number 4 April 2026 |
Page 15 |
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| Volume 28 Number 4 April 2026 |
Page 15 |
Gary Hampton
Jesus used the parable of a vineyard to show why publicans and harlots would enter the kingdom before the religious leaders. The kingdom was compared to a vineyard a landowner planted and completely equipped. He then leased the land to some vinedressers who agreed to pay the landowner out of its fruit.
The owner sent servants to collect rent at harvest time. The vinedressers beat, stoned and killed the multiplied numbers of servants. He thought they would respect his son, but the wicked vinedressers plotted against the son in hopes of getting his inheritance (John 11:47–50). They then cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.
Jesus asked, “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” Some listeners correctly judged the owner would destroy those men and lease the vineyard to others who would honor their agreement. Others, perhaps recognizing the full import of such a conclusion, said “Certainly not!” (Matthew 21:33–46; Luke 20:16).
The Jews rejected a multitude of God’s messengers (1 Kings 18:13; 22:24–27; Matthew 14:3–12; Hebrews 11:35–38). Jesus is God’s last spokesman to sinful man (Hebrews 1:12; 2:13). The Father asked Him to take the form of a servant so He could be sent (Philippians 2:5–8). He served as the final messenger and the only fully acceptable sacrifice. Rejecting Him left them to look forward to the Judgment with fear (Hebrews 10:26–31).
Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22–23, telling the religious leaders the kingdom of God would be taken from them and given to a nation that would bear fruit for Him. They stumbled at the teachings of Christ. They were broken by them, being condemned for not accepting Him for Who He was (John 3:18). Those who have not obeyed Him will be crushed under the weight of His judgment (Romans 2:16).
God blessed us with a wonderful kingdom (Colossians 1:13–14). He protects us, promising to make a way to escape temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). God asks us to bear fruit to His glory (John 15:18). Failing to give God the fruits of our labors jeopardizes our eternal life with Him in Heaven. We must not reject and kill His Son afresh (Hebrews 6:4–6). We should follow the Son so the Father will not take the kingdom away.
