“He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 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.” (Luke 20:9-10 NIV)

The Pharisees, in the eight verses proceeding, had pressed Jesus for the source of His authority. Jesus knew their hearts and thwarted their question. Then He shares this parable and thus the divine nature of His earthly business. 

God plants the vineyard.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” (Psalm 24:1-2 NIV)

He appoints caretakers, or tenants. Twice, actually. Initially in the Garden (pre-Fall) and again in the wilderness (post-Fall).

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” (Genesis 2:15 NIV)

“The Lord said to Moses, “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the tent of meeting by doing the work of the tabernacle.” (Numbers 3:5-7 NIV)

The tenants are to work the land faithfully until the owner comes home.

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4 NIV)

A great harvest is coming. A vineyard typically requires three years to establish. How long might we wait on the Kingdom of Heaven? While we wait, we work. And we watch for the Son to return.

The Pharisees had assumed ownership and were willing to destroy anyone who threatened their power. God’s people, however, await His return with happy hearts, ready to hand over what isn’t theirs, ready to release responsibility back into the hands of a capable and honorable owner.

My brother and I have been listening to Dave Ramsey and his thoughts on stewardship. Dave points out that ‘steward’ is a King James term that hails from an era of Lords and Realms. A Lord owned the land, the people, and everything in it. The Lord appointed a steward for the day to day management (think Pharaoh and his second-in-command, Joseph). The steward held a position of great power and authority, but he could not afford to forget who owned it all. He held it lightly.

We are merely stewards, of the earth and of the Kingdom. We also have moments when we are guilty of thinking like Pharisees. We might demand; “What right do You have?” In those moments we do well to remember that we are here by God’s grace and good nature. He has every right. We are the right-less ones who have been entrusted with so much.

“The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.” (Luke 12:42-43 NIV)

Lord, help us do good today and every day. Put a happy song in our hearts as we toil towards the worthies cause of all: Your Kingdom Come. May we always remember that all of this belongs first and foremost to You. You are good to Your faithful servants; find us faithful. Give us grace and strength and stamina to serve well as long as You tarry. Amen.