Conclusion of Exposed By Vineyard Illustrations

Since "the cultivators" mistreat and kill the "slaves," Jesus explains: Lastly [the owner of the vineyard] dispatched his son to them, saying 'They will respect my son.' On seeing the son the cultivators said among themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and get his inheritance!' So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him."

Now, addressing the religious leaders, Jesus asks: "When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those cultivators?" Because they are evil," the religious leaders answer, 'he will bring an evil destruction upon them and will let out the vineyard to other cultivators, who will render him the fruits when they become due."

Thus they unwittingly proclaim judgment upon themselves, since they are included among the Israelite "cultivators" of Jehovah's nations "vineyard" of Israel. The fruitage that Jehovah expects from such cultivators is faith in his Son, the true Messiah. For their failing to provide such fruitage, Jesus warns: "Did you never read in the Scriptures [at Psalm 118:22, 23], 'The stone that the builders rejected is the one that has become the chief cornerstone. From Jehovah this has come to be, and it is marvelous in our eyes"' This is why I say to you, The Kingdom of god will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits. Also, the person falling upon this stone will be shattered. As for anyone upon whom it falls, it will pulverize him."

The scribes and chief priests now recognize that Jesus is speaking about them, and they want to kill him, the rightful "heir." So the privilege of being rulers of God's Kingdom will be taken away from them as a nation, and a new nation of "vineyard cultivators will be created, one that will produce suitable fruits.

Because the religious leaders fear the crowds, who consider Jesus a prophet, they do not try to kill him on this occasion. Matthew 21:28-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19; Isaiah 5:1-7.

Next time: Illustration Of The Marriage Feast

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991