Written By Lesallan
Ohio Christian University
BIB3510 Gospels: Luke (ONLF23)
Professor Daniel Rickett
September 13, 2023
Devotional – Wicked Tenants (Luke 20:9-19, ESV)
The parable of the wicked tenants is a story that Jesus told to illustrate how God’s people had rejected his prophets and, ultimately, His Son, Jesus. The vineyard represents God’s kingdom, and the fruit represents the obedience and faithfulness God expects from His people. The tenants represent the religious leaders of Israel, who had failed to honor God and mistreated His messengers. The owner’s son represents Jesus, who was sent by God as the heir and the final messenger, but was killed by the tenants.
Today, I have the power to honor God in many ways. By following His commands and teachings in the Bible, I can live a life that is pleasing to Him. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I can tap into God’s presence and power within me to achieve great things. I can use the gifts and talents that God has given me to serve Him and those around me. I can spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations, fulfilling God’s mission for all believers. As I hold firm to my faith in Jesus, God’s Son, and the world’s Savior, I can inspire others to do the same.
So, to give him an abundance of fruit instead would mean to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31, ESV). It would mean to seek His kingdom and righteousness first and use our gifts and abilities to serve Him and others. It would mean to bear the fruit of the Spirit in character and conduct and to share the gospel with those who do not know Him.
These are some ways that I might act like the wicked tenants and dishonor God as the vineyard’s owner. However, God is gracious and patient with us and invites everyone to repent and return to Him. He also warns us of the consequences of rejecting Him and His Son. As Jesus said, “Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him” (Luke 20:18, ESV). Therefore, I must not refuse God, the fruit of His vineyard, but rather give Him the glory and honor He deserves.
This passage implies that some religious leaders have rejected God’s authority and His messengers, and they will face severe consequences for their actions. The passage (Luke 20:9-19, ESV) also implies that God will give His kingdom to others who will produce fruit for Him. For Christian leaders today, this passage is a warning and a challenge. It warns them not to abuse their position or oppose God’ will but to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted them. It challenges them to bear fruit for God’s glory and to honor his Son, who died and rose again for them. Christian leaders should conduct themselves with humility, integrity, and love, following the example of Jesus and listening to His voice.
Blessings,
Lesallan
