Life in the Vineyard

In Matthew 21:33-46, Jesus tells a parable of a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a wall around it, and dug a wine press in it. He then leased it to some tenants and went away on a journey. When it was time for the harvest, the landowner sent his servants to collect his share of the fruit, but the tenants beat and killed them. He sent more servants, but they were treated the same way. Finally, he sent his son, thinking they would respect him, but they killed him too. Jesus then asks the listeners what the landowner will do to those tenants, and they answer, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time."

This parable teaches us about the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders of his day. They were the tenants who were supposed to take care of God's people, but they failed to do so. Instead, they rejected God's messengers, the prophets, and ultimately his son, Jesus.

“People who cover their faults and excuse themselves do not have a repentant spirit.”

- Watchman Nee

This world is the Lord’s vineyard. We all live in it. This Lenten season, as we reflect on this parable, we should ask ourselves whether we are like the good tenants who produce good fruit for the Lord and give Him what is due, or the wicked tenants who reject God's message and kill his messengers. Are we bearing good fruit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Or are we rejecting God's message and refusing to do his will? You see, when we reject the will of God for our lives, as revealed in His Holy Scriptures, we are guilty of rejecting the Son of the vineyard owner ourselves.

If we find ourselves in the latter category, we should repent and turn to the Lord. He is always ready to forgive us when we confess our sins and ask for his mercy. Lent is a season of repentance. We should also make a commitment to bear good fruit for him, to live a life that is pleasing to him, and to share his message of love and salvation with others. That is what it means to live in the vineyard of the Lord.

Shalom for a holy Lent,

Pastor Brad

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for this parable that reminds us of the importance of bearing good fruit in our lives. Help us to be faithful tenants who produce a harvest that is pleasing to you. Forgive us for the times when we have rejected your message and failed to do your will. Give us the strength and wisdom to follow you always and to share your love and salvation with others. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.