Advent Readings: Luke 20

Luke 20

There is a connection between the previous chapter and this one. After the celebratory entrance of Jerusalem Jesus comes to the Temple, where He faces the chief priests and scribes and the principal men of the people (Lk. 19:47). And the next day He faces them again: the chief priest and the scribes and with elders (Lk. 20:1). Later the party of accusers split into two groups: scribes and the chief priest (Lk. 20:19) and some Sadducees (Lk. 20:27). Jesus talks to all of them, answering all the trick questions or pretenses.

In between of these addresses Jesus teaches the greatest leadership lesson. He gives the lesson in front of all the people, telling them the parable of the wicked tenants (Lk. 20:9-18). The parable begins with a simple phrase: “a man planted a vineyard…” What can be simpler, just a vineyard story. Yet, to the Israelites of the Second Temple it meant a lot.

The careful readers of the Scriptures knows that the vineyard is one of the most prominent symbol of Israel. We find it in the writings of Large Prophets – Isaiah 5 and 27; Ezekiel 19. Hosea – the first of the Minor Prophets uses the same image in chapter 10 of his book. Even prior to the prophets the psalmists develop the same idea (cp. Ps. 80:8-13).

The people immediately understood that He is talking about the leaders of current Israel, realizing that the doom of destruction is hanging over them on a very thin thread… For the leaders are failing them, fighting for their own benefits in stead of benefitting the people of God. This realization is obvious in their calm but powerful statement: “surely not.” It is not a quarrel with God, not even a godly bargain with the LORD (like Father Abraham used to do, Gen 18). It is a sad acknowledgement of a hurtful future which will await them if nothing is changed.

Then, looking straight at the people (ESV: he looked directly at them, v. 17), Jesus goes back to Ps. 118:22 – one more connection with the previous chapter (Lk. 19:38 -> Lk. 13:35, Ps. 118:26). The cornerstone, which was rejected by the builders – Jesus was talking about Himself and the rejection He would soon has to go through. Rejection by the leaders, by the crowds of people, and even by His own disciples.

Building on another prophecy of Isaiah it is safe to say that He was rejected by all of us:

all we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned – every one – to his own way;

And the LORD has laid on Him

The iniquity of us all (Is. 53:6).

That’s why His sacrifice is a supreme sacrifice, sacrifice for all of us, the leaders, the people, the crowds.