Luke 20:9-19 – Mercy

This parable shows us the deep sinfulness of men and women. It is a faithful picture of the Jews. Despite privileges, such as no nation ever has, in the face of warnings such as no people ever receive, the Jews rebel against God, refuse to give Him His rightful due, reject His prophets, and crucify His only Son. But it is no less a picture of the church. Called as we are out of darkness by the infinite mercy of God, we have done very little that is worthy. Instead, we have allowed false teaching and wicked practice to grow up among us. When it comes to hardness, unbelief, and pride, the Christian churches, as a whole, are little better than the Jews of our Lord’s time.

We should pray that we will better understand our own sinfulness. The behaviour of the tenants is only a picture of what every natural man would do to God, if he only could. To see this is very important. Christ is never fully valued, until sin is clearly seen.

This parable also shows the amazing patience and long-suffering of God. Prophet after prophet is sent to warn Israel of his danger. Message after message is given, despite insults and injuries heaped on the messenger. God has been just as longsuffering to His church. It has tried Him by false doctrines and neglect of His Word. But He has repeatedly given them times of refreshing, raised up holy ministers and mighty reformers, and not cut them off. The church is just as much a debtor to God’s mercy as the Jews were. We should be more thankful for God’s mercy. We probably have very little idea the number of gracious messages the Lord of the vineyard is constantly sending to our souls.

Questions
1. Why do we need to understand our own sinfulness?
2. How has God shown mercy to the church?
3. What warning from this parable should the church take to heart?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that our church would bring honour to God and obey Him.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.