Sermon Tone Analysis

This comes right on the heals of the Parable of the two sons - which Armal will guide us through next week.

There is language here that brings us back to Isaiah 5:1-7

The point of the Isaiah passage is that God was disheartened by the lack of justice displayed in the people of Israel and in Judah.

The parable, while drawing our minds to this “love song gone wrong,” seems to be pointing to the unfaithfulness of the people that God had charged to steward his rich possession.

Let’s think though a couple of concepts.

Vineyard/wine - seems to be a symbol of prosperity and fruitfulness - but also seems to represent the people of God.

Obviously, this master is well to do - his wealth not only meets needs, but now provides a sense of excess bounty/blessing

Tenants - seem to be referring to the Priests and Pharisees - by their own admission.

These religious leaders had squandered and misused the responsibilities that God had given them.

The Servants - seem to represent the Prophets and others who had been commissioned by God to bring a word of warning.

The Son - is Jesus - he seems to be foretelling his death - with BTW - this parable happened after the triumphal entry - so the fulfillment of his parabolic prophesy will happen within a few days.

Application:

Leaders in the church: while Jesus is specifically calling out the religious leaders of his day, I think it’s important for us to see the parallel between the priests and pharisees and the pastors/elders of the church today.

The NT writers are clear that Elders/Pastors have a sacred responsibility to steward the flock of God.

I’m so grateful for the men that we have serving as under-shepherds - they certainly take their responsibility seriously and seem to serve with humility - recognizing that this is God’s church - not ours.

I do think it’s important for us to be prayerful and mindful of those God might raise up to be elders in the future - that they would enter into that responsibility with the same stewarding mindset.

Every Believer: There is a sense in which each of us have been granted stewardship over some things - whether it is our resources, our gifting, our areas of responsibility, our relationships, for those who are parents - even our children - we too must carefully steward all that God has given to us.

How should this guide our time of prayer?