Month: October 2020

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:33-46.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

I have heard people say “I know you were preaching to me last Sunday”. Do you sometimes find the message seems to pertain especially to you? That was the situation for the religious leaders Jesus speaks to in this lesson, and He certainly was directing His message to them. (Inside note – most pastors I know don’t preach directly to a person or group, my sermons are often directed at myself!)

While Jesus was calling this group out for their poor leadership, it wasn’t just to shame them. Jesus honestly wants them to see the error in their thinking and behavior, to be convinced of their wrongdoing and ask forgiveness. That’s what He wants from all of us.

Jesus isn’t about blame and punishment. He took the consequences of the world’s sin on Himself that we might be freed to live in the love and joy God intends for us. He calls our faults to our attention not to put us down but to have us give them up and live new lives in Him.

Gracious God, we often ignore our sin and when we do become aware, we let it keep us from the love and mercy You offer. Help us to lay down the burden of sin we carry and turn to You in repentance. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:33-46.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

Jesus has a troubling prophecy for the religious leaders gathered to question Him: “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit” (v. 43). Will God really take back His blessing? The truth Jesus is teaching says unless we repent and become productive members of the kingdom, we will lose it.

This is hard to hear, but God is constant and consistent. There will be consequences for those who do not accept His grace and turn from sin. We have been told what is expected of us and we still have trouble obeying His will.

However, God offers us His mercy time and again. We are given chance after chance to feel the love He sends and change our lives. Jesus warns us of the danger but reaches out to save us. Take His hand, believe, and follow Him.

Loving Lord, we know the truth and the call You place on our lives. Help us to be obedient and joyful servants of the kingdom, sharing Your blessing with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:33-46.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

Jesus has a sharp lesson for the leaders that are questioning Him. He tells them “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (v. 42), telling them they are missing something important. It gives us a sense of His frustration that these leaders who should know Him and understand His mission are only concerned about maintaining their position and power.

Jesus speaks of the builders, a reference to those in charge, ones whose knowledge and experience should allow them to make the best choices. When they choose poorly, it also affects others. Jesus warns that those who lead must seek to make good decisions for the sake of all the people.

In some sense, we are all leaders. Our words and actions affect and influence others. As Christians we must ensure that we are an example to be followed, encouraging others to know His love.

Gracious God, we are called to bring Your light to a dark world, building on the lessons Jesus taught us. Help us to be loving and wise, showing others the joy of a relationship with You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 21:33-46.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. “But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew he was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd because the people held that he was a prophet.

Jesus explains to those listening how important it is that they believe that God sent Him. Notice He doesn’t argue how important He is, the glory all goes to God. He tells them “the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes” (v. 42).

Jesus wants everyone to know the love God has for them, even the church leaders who oppose Him. I think Jesus hurt for them because they were missing the truth of God He brought to all of us. Why would He try so hard to reach them if He didn’t think they too could be saved?

We face the same problems today. We oppose each other on issues of this world – important issues yes, but most often worldly issues – and fail to know and share God’s love while we contend with each other. We must remember that God is in control, not us, and include the Lord in all our dealings with each other.

Wise and wonderful God, we are often our own worst enemies, fanning the flames of discord and failing to hear the needs of our fellow creatures. Help us to be more patient with each other and not allow the words and actions of others to destroy the peace we know in You. Amen.