Epaggelia

The Tenants & Invitees

 Matthew 21:33–41, Mark 12:1–9 & Luke 20:9–16

Matthew 22:1-14 & Luke 14:12-14

The great similarity between these parables is the ulterior motives and excuses everyone gives. The two scenarios, one of a Feast, the other of giving fruit from a Vineyard has the same disappointment: Excuses and reasons given for doing what is unexpected. If your given an invitation, or if your given a responsibility, the same expectation is logical: Some accountability is not only expected but also, deserved! Here are two common faults in these parables: 

1. Earthly ties: “they were indifferent and went away, one to his farm, another one to his business” Mt. 22:5
2. Earthly possessions: “They said to themselves, this is the heir, come, let us kill him and get his inheritance”, Mt. 21:38.

The application Jesus makes of the tenants over the vineyard, is this:  ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? “For this reason I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Mt. 21:42-43

Both parables point us to the nature of His Kingdom! The Kingdom, when given to us has expectations. What is the expectation God has in our possession of the Kingdom?

What unusual claim is Jesus making about himself in the parable of the evil Tenants over the Vineyard? (John 3:18)

What do you believe the “wedding garment” represents?

What is the significance of the statement, “Go out of the city to the highways and hedgerows, I want my house to be full”

Is our congregation just taking care of the “good” people, or are we relating ourself to the needs of our community?