Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (Posted each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we continue in our Luke, Exploring Who Jesus is series.
Today, we reflect on the Parable of the Tenants in Luke 20:9-19. The parable compares life to tenancy in a vineyard—am I living in accordance with the terms of God's tenancy?
You can watch this devotional below.
A Vineyard is Entrusted
Our reading begins:
“A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time.” (Luke 20:9)
Jesus tells this parable following His confrontation with religious leaders who challenge him and refuse to accept His authority in 20:1-8. Like the rebellious tenants in this parable, they reject God’s messengers and ultimately kill His Son—bringing judgment upon themselves.
The vineyard, a commonly used Old Testament metaphor for Israel - represents Israel as God’s people who were meant to bear fruit for God.
The owner’s absence reflects a waiting period: Firstly, It was Israel’s waiting period for the Messiah to come, and, secondly, it can be applied to our waiting before Christ’s return— in both cases, a time to remain fruitful and faithful.
They Reject God's Voice
Our reading continues:
‘“At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12 He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.”’ (Luke 20:10-12)
The tenants represent Israel’s leaders, who repeatedly rejected God’s prophets—including John the Baptist, whom Jesus had just referenced in Luke 20:1-8. Their persistent defiance reveals their hardened hearts.
In context, Jesus has entered Jerusalem (the Triumphal Entry) and found their worship empty and fruitless. This spiritual barrenness is powerfully symbolised by the cursing of the fruitless fig tree in Matthew 21 and Mark 11, which occurs alongside His arrival in Jerusalem.
They Reject the Son
Our reading continues:
‘“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14 “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.”’ (Luke 20:13-15a)
Not only did they reject the prophets and John, but now they reject Jesus Himself, the rightful Son and heir. This foreshadows His crucifixion—an event we’ll reflect on as Easter approaches.
Jesus speaks of Judgment and the spread of the gospel
Our reading continues:
‘“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!”’(Luke 20:15b-16)
Like the parable of the Minas, this parable ends with judgment. Jesus also alludes to the gospel reaching the Gentiles, extending God’s kingdom beyond Israel as we will see as the Spirit is poured out in Luke part 2 - Acts.
Jesus ends this section with:
‘Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”’ (Luke 20:17-18)
Jesus wants them to see that he is speaking of many who were listening to Him. Jesus is fearless. However, though rejected, Jesus becomes the ‘Cornerstone’ and foundation of God’s people - His authority stands firm, whether accepted or not!
They are unresponsive
Our reading concludes:
‘The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.’ (Luke 10:19)
Rather than listening and repenting, Jesus’ challenge leads to greater hatred and the events that we will consider as we approach the Easter period.
A Call to Faithfulness
How does this parable challenge you and me? I hope and trust that we can say that, yes, we’ve received Jesus as Lord. Added to this, how are things in our ‘vineyard’? Like workers in a vineyard, everything we have is a gift from God, meant for His glory. Do we listen gladly or reject His voice if it demands sacrificial obedience? May we embrace Christ as our cornerstone, love His voice, and recommit to serving Him wholeheartedly.
Let’s pray together
“Father, I thank you that It’s your will that your church and that I am fruitful for you. Help me, whilst waiting for you to act or to return to be faithful and fruitful. May my worship, my listening and my obedience be like a fruitful vine. Amen”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
On Sunday, we explored Luke 19:28–20:19, where Jesus, approaching the climax of His ministry, enters Jerusalem, clears the temple, and begins teaching. This passage includes The Parable of the Vineyard (or Tenants) in Luke 20:9–19, which we will examine in the devotionals (Please ensure people know where to find these).
At its heart, this parable reveals that God's people are called to bear fruit for Him. True fruitfulness comes when Jesus enters the ‘temple’ of our hearts—cleansing, renewing, and empowering us to live for His purposes.
Discussion:
Luke 19:28–44 (The Triumphal Entry)
What are the key elements of this moment, and what do they teach us?
How can we embody the lessons of this profound episode in our daily lives?
Luke 19:45–48 (Jesus Cleanses the Temple)
What does this powerful confrontation reveal about God's heart and priorities?
How should we respond personally and as a church?
How can we actively participate in building Jesus’ vision for a “house of prayer for all nations”?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
Mission inspiration from the text - What do The Triumphal Entry and Jesus Cleansing the Temple teach us about becoming more effective in evangelism? How do these episodes shape our approach to sharing the gospel?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent experiences of Serving, Investing, or Inviting someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Discuss and pray for those you regularly engage with, including any ‘people of peace’ (* See note) in your life—those open to you and the gospel.
Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Links:
Audio version: https://communitychurchputney.podbean.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/59qst6EonKlI0EZHLQsfBy?si=mcPUnkdZR2WDPqAiytnHAw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/community-church-putney-sermons/id566901794
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDzzo5gqIx6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@communitychurchSW15
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