Luke 20:9-19 Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to farmers… Turning to the parable, notice — I. THE OWNER'S CLAIM. His right and authority are complete. God presses His right to our love and service. Blessings are privileges, and privileges are obligations. II. THE OWNER'S LOVING PATIENCE. There never was an earthly employer who showed such persistent kindness towards such persistent rebellion. The account of servants sent again and again, in spite of insults and death, is a faint picture of His forbearance towards Israel. Mercies, deliverances, revelations, pleadings, gather, a shining host, around all their history, as the angelic camp was close to Jacob on his journey. But all along the history stand the dark and bloodstained images of mercies despised and prophets slain. The tenderness of God in the old dispensation is wonderful; but in Christ it appears in a pathos of yearning. III. THE REJECTION. IV. THE JUDGMENT. It was just, necessary, complete, remediless. V. THE FINAL EXALTATION OF THE SON. (Charles M. Southgate.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time. |
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