Dec. 1                              Luke 20:9-18                                 Lisa Thompson

The vineyard in this story is God’s kingdom and the tenants who are reaping the fruit of this land are not honoring their part of the agreement. They are behaving selfishly. The owner of the vineyard (God) gives them multiple opportunities to change their ways, to do what is right, but they reject, ridicule, and even kill the servants (prophets) that the owner has sent. In the story, they even kill the owner’s beloved son. Jesus goes on to say that the rejected stone will become the cornerstone (as was prophesied). Those who reject God will be destroyed and the kingdom given to others who follow God’s ways.

• The messengers to whom Jesus refers are the prophets of the Bible. Since then, what messengers has God sent us? Who are today’s prophets and who are the present day chief priests who reject Jesus?
• What does it mean to bear fruit for God? To pay our share?

Prayer
Dear God, Help us to turn away from selfishness, to live our lives in a way that honors you and helps to create your kingdom on earth.  Amen.