Luke 20:11

And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

Luke 20:11 (KJV)

Context

Jesus spoke this parable in the temple while the chief priests and scribes opposed His authority. The vineyard owner sent servants to collect fruit from tenants who refused to give what was due. The first servant was beaten and sent away empty. In verse 11, the owner sends another servant, and the tenants beat him, treat him shamefully, and send him away empty.

Meaning

The Greek word translated “entreated him shamefully” (atimazō) means to treat with dishonor or disgrace, showing mistreatment worse than the first servant received. “Sent him away empty” means the servant received none of the vineyard’s fruit, revealing the tenants’ complete rejection of the owner’s claim. The verse’s two movements—sending and rejection—must be read together to grasp the full picture.

Biblical connections

The servants represent the prophets God sent to Israel, who were persecuted and rejected. The owner’s patient sending of multiple servants demonstrates God’s longsuffering mercy before judgment. This verse leads directly to the sending of the owner’s beloved son, whom the tenants kill, foreshadowing Jesus’ own rejection and suffering. The escalating violence—from beating to shameful treatment to murder—reveals the depth of human rebellion against God’s authority.

Application

God’s messengers may face rejection and mistreatment, but God’s purposes will ultimately prevail. The religious leaders’ response to the parable was to seek to arrest Jesus, confirming their identification with the wicked tenants. Believers are called to faithful attention and trust, recognizing that rejection of God’s servants is ultimately rejection of God Himself.

Reflection

The parable is a direct indictment of Israel’s religious leaders who had rejected God’s prophets throughout history. Yet it also offers hope: God’s patience and mercy continue even in the face of rebellion, and His purposes cannot be thwarted. This verse invites self-examination, asking whether we honor God’s messengers or treat them shamefully.