Embracing Truth

Sometimes the truth hurts. The religious leaders in Christ’s day felt its sting when Jesus taught the parable in this passage.

“A man planted a vineyard and built a protective fence around it”, said Jesus. He dug a vat to collect the juice from crushed grapes, and he established a watchtower. Having set up the operation for success, the owner rented the facility to vine-growers and left the country.

When harvest season came, the owner sent a slave to collect his share of the produce. The tenants beat him and sent him away. A second slave experienced similar treatment. The owner sent several more slaves, but all were either beaten or killed. Finally, he sent his son. Sadly, the tenants killed him, too.

The leaders immediately identified the story’s characters. The tenants represented themselves and their predecessors—those in charge of God’s people. The second group of servants represented the prophets—messengers sent by God to call the people to repentance, warn of impending judgment for disobedience, and tell of the coming Messiah. God was the vineyard’s owner. The son represented Jesus—the one whose imminent arrest and death they would sanction.

The truth hurt. The leaders knew Christ’s words were directed at them. They took offense and wanted to arrest him, but they feared the public’s response. Instead, they left him and went away.

God’s word presents us with spiritual truth today. Sometimes other believers do, too. How do we respond? Do we hear it, take offense, and turn away as the Pharisees did? Or do we accept it and allow it to change us as needed?

Let’s do what’s right and embrace the truth.

Respond in Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for pursuing me with your sacrificial and steadfast love. Thank you for caring enough about me to teach me the truth. Please guard me from unbelief or skepticism. Keep my heart sensitive to your voice and obedient to your ways so that you can accomplish your eternal purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Grace Fox