📖 Sermon 144 – The Wicked Husbandmen
Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 20:9–19
Introduction
Jesus speaks a parable against the leaders of Israel. A man plants a vineyard, lets it out to husbandmen, and goes into a far country. When he sends servants to receive fruit, they are beaten and cast out. At last he sends his beloved son, whom they kill. The parable reveals the history of Israel’s unbelief, the rejection of Christ, and the certainty of judgment.
A. The vineyard planted
God Himself chose, planted, and cared for Israel. They enjoyed His special privileges and ordinances.
B. Let out to husbandmen
The spiritual leaders were stewards, not owners. They were to watch over the people and render fruit to God.
C. God’s reasonable expectation
He looked for fruit of obedience, repentance, and faith, in return for His many mercies.
A. One servant after another
Prophets were sent in succession, calling the nation back to God.
B. Beaten, shamefully handled, wounded, cast out
Israel’s history is full of rejected and persecuted prophets.
C. Divine patience displayed
Instead of immediate judgment, more warnings were sent. God is slow to anger and abundant in mercy.
A. “I will send my beloved son”
The highest revelation of God’s love and grace. There could be no greater Messenger.
B. “They will reverence him”
It was reasonable to expect honor for the Son, though God knew the end from the beginning.
C. The wicked counsel
“This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.” The deepest enmity against God’s rightful King is exposed.
D. “So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him”
A picture of Christ’s crucifixion outside the city. The rulers fulfilled this parable in their treatment of Jesus.
A. “What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?”
Jesus makes His hearers answer their own case.
B. “He shall come and destroy these husbandmen”
A prophecy of coming judgment on unbelieving Israel and her leaders.
C. “And shall give the vineyard to others”
The Gospel would be given to the Gentiles and to a new people of God, built on faith in Christ.
A. “The stone which the builders rejected…”
The leaders, like builders, examined Christ and refused Him.
B. “…the same is become the head of the corner”
Rejected by men, yet chosen by God, Christ becomes the cornerstone of His church.
C. Falling on this stone and being broken
Those who stumble at Christ’s Gospel are humbled and judged.
D. The stone falling and grinding to powder
Final destruction awaits all who persist in rejecting Him.
Conclusion
The parable of the wicked husbandmen warns against despising God’s messengers and, above all, His Son. It calls us to receive Christ as the cornerstone, render fruit to God as faithful stewards, and tremble at the thought of rejecting so great a Savior.
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