The Parable of the Wicked Tenants was one of our Gospel
readings recently (April 7, The Fifth Sunday of Lent). One of the reasons this
lesson is important is because the scribes and chief priests understood that
Jesus had spoken the parable against them. This was a spark to motivate their
determined effort to kill Jesus.
One of the temptations we face when we read this lesson
is to see ourselves as self-justified in it, as though we are somehow better
than those the parable was spoken against. The parable should leave us in
humble awe and gratitude, not feeling superior to others. It is true that God’s
judgement falls on those who reject him and his Son. Nevertheless, our standing
before God is a standing of grace alone.
By God’s grace we are now those who work in his vineyard.
The inheritance has become ours, not because we were clever and killed off the
Son, but because the crucified and risen Son has redeemed us and made us part
of God’s kingdom.
Have you considered how blessed you are to be part of God’s
people? What does Jesus’ salvation mean for you?
Lord Jesus, when
you are rejected people are lost, broken, and crushed. Thank you for your grace
that heals and gives life. Thank you for including us in your kingdom. Amen.
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