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… 1. The combination of men of opposite sentiments, in a particular case, affords no proof that truth and justice are connected with their temporary union. 2. In the conduct of the scribes and Pharisees on this occasion we see the disgraceful artifices which malice leads men to employ. 3. From this passage we may observe the perfect knowledge which Jesus had of the characters, principles, and intentions of His enemies. 4. The wisdom of Jesus was also conspicuous on this occasion. Had He been a mere man, we should have said He was distinguished by presence of mind. Now His wisdom is strongly displayed here. He might have refused to answer the question of the Pharisees and Herodians, as the Pharisees had done to Him. Or He might have given some dark enigmatical reply which they could not have perverted. But, instead of doing so, He gave a plain decided answer, without fear or evasion. 5. The fearless regard to truth which the Lord Jesus displayed on this occasion deserves to be carefully noticed. He did not mean to decline answering the question, Whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. On the contrary, He instantly declared that it was lawful; and not only lawful, but obligatory, as they themselves had unwillingly confessed. For the allusion to the denarius struck them forcibly; and they went away admiring the person whom they had come to expose and overwhelm. 6. Lastly, we may observe the disposition which our Saviour always showed to direct the attention of His hearers to the duty which they owed to God. If, then, we are to render to God the things that are God's, we must render everything to God; for everything we have belongs to Him — our capacities, our opportunities, our advantages, our blessings. (J. Thomson, D. D.) 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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