Parable of Tenants in the Vineyard: Theology + Teaching

Question 1

PARA 1: Brief outline of the story.

Answer 1

Man planted a vineyard and leased it to tenants and went abroad. Owner sent his servants to the tenants to collect his produce. However, the tenants seized his servants, thrashed one , killed another and stoned a third. He send another and the tenants once again acted shamefully and killed him. Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking ‘they will respect my son’. However tenants kill him and say ‘this is the one who will inherit the land. If we kill him the property will be ours.’
Note very few differences in Mark and Matthew

Question 2

PARA 2: Explain allegory (teaching)

Answer 2

Everyone would have understood the process of being a vineyard owner.
• The landowner – represents God.
• The Vineyard – His kingdom.
• The tenants – specifically Israel’s religious leaders and all who reject him.
• The servants – Gods prophets and faithful believers.
• Beloved son - Jesus

Question 3

PARA 3:

Answer 3

Jesus sees the temple ruler’s rejection of truth and doing the same as their ancestors – killing the prophets (servants) who were sent to correct them and turn their hearts to God. The characters were easy to identify. Even the chief priests and Pharisees (temple tenants) recognized who Jesus meant. These religious leaders functioned strictly out of tradition and rigid law, with hardened hearts. They had no true love for God. Therefore, they rejected Jesus when He came speaking of grace, love, and forgiveness. They were angered at His non-traditional teachings. They wanted Him silenced so they didn’t have to consider their errors and face correction.

Question 4

PARA 4: What we learn about God and the KoG

Answer 4

• Through this parable we learn that Jesus is revealing that although the religious leaders reject him, he is the foundation of the Father’s temple or church of believers.
• God is incredibly forgiving, however he cannot keep forgiving if the wrong doer shows no repentance. You have to earn your way into heaven. ‘I tell you then, that the Kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to people to produce its fruit.’ – The Kingdom of God will be taken from those who do not deserve it and reject God (tenants). IT will be given to people who deserve it like the servants.
• FAITH is an important quality to show – like the servants.

Question 5

Conclusion:

Answer 5

Concerned with the authority of Jesus and the refusal of the Jewish authorities to listen to him. Overall message is that Jesus is the final person to come from God – Christ is Gods last word to humanity, if they listen and open themselves up to God’s judgment, the Gentiles and believers may take their place in the KoG.