God’s Patience

Nearly one-third of the recorded teachings of Jesus in the Gospels are parables. It’s said that a parable is “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” Jesus was the Master teacher who taught with simplicity, clarity (Matthew 13:54), and great authority (7:28-29). So much so, that the leading priests, teachers of the law, and elders asked Him, “By what authority are you doing all these things?” (Luke 20:2). Jesus responded by telling a parable of the evil tenant farmers (Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12). Jesus spoke of:

• The sinfulness of humanity (Luke 20:9-15). Jesus drew from Isaiah 5:1-7, where the vineyard refers to the nation of Israel (v.7). The Jews, despite their favored nation status, had rejected God’s authority. The tenant farmers are a vivid representation of man’s rebellion and rejection of God.

• The long-suffering patience of God (Luke 20:10- 13). Despite the cruel treatment of all His messengers, the landowner relentlessly reached out to the tenants. He even sent His cherished son. For He is “the God of compassion and mercy . . . slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). The landowner is a clear picture of God’s patient endurance with people (2 Peter 2:9, 3:15).

• The severity of God’s judgment on those who reject the Son (Luke 20:13-16). There’s a mistaken idea that a loving God can’t get angry. But God said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever” (Genesis 6:3 NKJV). There is such a thing as “the wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:16). This is a warning of judgment on everyone who rejects the Son. The teachers and leading priests knew that Jesus was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers (Luke 20:19). What was Jesus saying to you and me in this tale?

Taken from “Our Daily Journey”