Luke 20:7
“And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was.”
Context:Luke 20:7 is part of a larger passage known as the Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Luke 20:9-19). In this parable, Jesus tells a story to the chief priests, scribes, and elders, using the imagery of a vineyard owner and his tenants. The owner sends his servants to collect the fruit of the vineyard, but the tenants mistreat and reject them. Finally, the owner sends his beloved son, thinking they would respect him, but they kill him as well. The parable serves as a rebuke to the religious leaders of the time and a warning of the consequences of rejecting God’s messengers, culminating in the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
God’s Messengers:In the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, the servants represent the prophets whom God sent to His people to communicate His will and guide them in righteousness. The repeated rejection and mistreatment of the servants by the tenants symbolize the historical pattern of Israel’s disobedience and rejection of the prophets whom God sent to them.
God’s Son:The beloved son in the parable refers to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The owner’s sending of his son symbolizes God’s ultimate act of love and grace in sending His own Son to the world. Despite this act of love, Jesus was rejected and eventually crucified by those who should have recognized and accepted Him.
The Rejection of Jesus:The response of the tenants in Luke 20:7 reflects the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders of that time. When Jesus asked them where His authority came from, they refused to answer, indicating their unwillingness to acknowledge Him as the Messiah and their rejection of His teachings and authority.
Accountability and Judgment:The parable conveys a message of accountability and judgment. The vineyard owner represents God, the tenants represent the religious leaders and people of Israel, and the servants and the son represent the prophets and Jesus Christ. The parable warns of the consequences of rejecting God’s messengers and His Son, emphasizing the judgment that awaits those who reject God’s authority.
Application:The Parable of the Wicked Tenants is not just a historical account but also a lesson for us today. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and accepting Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and acknowledging His authority in our lives. It also warns us against rejecting God’s messengers and teachings, calling us to respond with obedience and humility.
