Beating the Servant
Jesus used stories to teach the people. Jesus said, "A man
planted a vineyard. He put a wall around the field and dug a
hole for a wine press. Then the man built a tower. He leased
the land to some farmers. Then he left for a trip. Later, it
was time for the grapes to be picked. So the man sent a
servant to the farmers to get his share of the grapes. But
the farmers grabbed the servant and beat him. They sent the
servant away with nothing."
-- Mark 12:1-3 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
The symbols in this story were familiar for Jesus' audience. The
vineyard would instantly be recognized as the nation of Israel, also
known as God's chosen people. The tenants would be recognized as the
leaders of the Israelites. They were given a beautiful and good
vineyard in which to work. But, these leaders began to feel the
vineyard was their own. They forgot it belonged to someone else and so
they abused the vineyard owner's servants. These servants would be
recognized from the Old Testament as God's messengers, the prophets.
There were bad times in Israel's past when the prophets came with God's
message and they were abused, mistreated, and even killed. Now this
message had a clear historical connection, but we can carry away a
powerful reminder for ourselves today from the implications of the
first part of the story. So often, we begin to view God's Kingdom,
God's people, God's gifts, as our own. We forget that all we have is
"on loan" from God and to be used for him and his purposes. It is not
ours by right, but by grace. We must never forget it.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O Father, you have blessed me so incredibly. My physical blessings are
wonderful. My spiritual blessings in Christ are beyond description.
Thank you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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