Jesus tells a simple story. “A wealthy man planted a vineyard. He made it state-of-the-art with all the latest harvesting and processing equipment. He even gave it a first-rate security system. Then, he rented the vineyard to a farmers’ collective and went away.
“When it was time to pay the rent, the owner sent an employee to collect. The farmers seized the man, beat him, and threw him out of the vineyard. This happened several more times until eventually the farmers were killing half the rent-collectors and beating the rest.
“Finally, the owner sent his own son with the hope that the farmers would respect him and pay their lawful rent. Sadly, the farmers also killed the son.
“What do you suppose the owner will do? He will come with overwhelming force, kill the evil farmers, and rent the land to someone more deserving.”
Though a simple story simply told, the escalating violence grips us and makes the ending all the more dramatic. The drama is heightened because we know that the Pharisees hearing the story would have known what Jesus was doing. He was denouncing them for the way their kind had treated the prophets of long ago and were now threatening to treat him.
A simple story simply told, it’s easy for us to dismiss it today. How many of us are farmers, wealthy landowners, or know anything about operating a commercial winery? Faced with such intransigent renters, we would turn them over to a collection agency and let the agency figure out what to do.
But it’s important to remember that Jesus’ words are not just meant for those long ago. They also speak to us in our world today.
The Jewish leadership Jesus was denouncing are not the only ones prone to escalating violence. Two youngsters innocently tussling on the floor can quickly turn to bloody noses and hurt feelings. A mild discussion at a Board Meeting can easily become a shouting match. And how many peaceful protests have turned into violent clashes?
When we allow violence into our behavior, are we not rejecting the Prince of Peace? We may not be killing him, but we certainly are denying him his rightful place in the vineyard of our hearts. The vineyard God has freely nourished with the free gift of salvation.
What if just one of the farmers had spoken up? What if just one of them had calmly said, “Friends, this is a bad idea. We need to back away from this”?
In a parable it wouldn’t happen. That would destroy the point of the story. But in real life there is always a chance to speak out and slow the escalating violence.
By God’s grace, may we avoid such violence in our own lives. By God’s grace, may we have the courage to speak against it when it rears its ugly head.
May God’s peace be with us all,
Pastor Ken.
