Read Luke 20:1-19
Jesus final days were spent teaching in the Temple. There were so many lessons left to share; Jesus had to be wondering how he could fit them all in. These teachable moments were often interrupted by confrontation.
Today we see how the religious leaders were trying to trip up Jesus and interrupt the flow of his teaching. Because they were so offended by his popularity, they had to know who had given Jesus the authority to speak and preach as he had been. What other motives may they have had? We see how brilliantly Jesus turns the inquisition around so the leaders are left speechless. But they didn’t walk away. They stayed and listened.
And then Jesus uses a powerful story to make his point. Jesus knew his parables were a memorable way for people to understand a Biblical truth and apply it to their life. Even the teachers of religious law caught the hidden meaning and saw themselves as the “bad guys” in Jesus’ story about the evil farmers. Their growing anger and hostility was fueled, but still they did not arrest him.
What stood out to you in this parable? Jesus would suggest selfishness is certainly out of control. These farmers did not have the right to keep what wasn’t theirs. They showed no respect for the owner of the vineyard or the agreement they had entered into. It’s one thing to harm the messenger. It’s quite another to murder them.
Jesus uses this parable to announce his death to his listeners. His closest followers had already heard him talk about his death. In Luke 9:22, Jesus says, “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” Do you think the disciples are remembering those words now that they are witnessing Jesus being rejected by the leading priests and other teachers of the law?
In our reading today, Jesus quotes Psalm 118, asking what this means, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” Did the people understand that Jesus is our cornerstone? Our faith is meaningless without him. Isaiah 28:16 is a prophetic word to further explain this. “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.”
Jesus’ teachable moments will continue over the next few days. We should be hanging on every word that comes out of Jesus’ mouth. His parting thoughts are even more precious when we remember the agony going on in his spirit. Jesus knew what he had come to do, and his time was near. Was Jesus feeling anxious?
Have you experienced your own sense of dread when facing something unpleasant? In those times, we can learn from Jesus’ example. He kept serving and sharing. He continued to think of others and trusted God was with him. If you’re feeling vulnerable, remember the children’s song says, “They are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me!”
Let’s pray …
Thank you, Lord, for how you support me and love me. I trust you with my life and rely on your strength to get me through each day. Jesus’ example of grace is always so perfectly timed. I can’t even imagine what you went through in those final days. I am forever grateful for your example of service and for being the strong foundation on which I can rely. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
