Sometimes stories in the Bible make me grimace.
Not because I have a weak stomach but because this following Jesus business is dang serious.
There is a lot at stake and I am constantly asking God to do a “heart-check” to make sure my pulse still beats for Him… Because let’s be honest, it is crazy easy to get distracted in our world full of “bright and shiny” instant gratification teasers.
Which is what today’s parable is all about… Brace yourself. It’s about to get real all up in here as we dig into the Parable of the Tenants, found in Matthew 21:33-46 and Mark 12:1-12.
As with most parables, the setting finds us with Jesus addressing the crowd, well within the earshot of the “righteous” Pharisees. The abridged version of the parable illustrates a landowner (God) who had a vineyard (the Kingdom.) He had some tenants taking care of it (the alleged “religious” leaders.) When harvest time comes, the owner/God sends his servants (legit workers) to collect the income. But the greedy tenants beat the first servant, murder the second servant and stone the third so that he runs away.
See? I told you pretty serious stuff.
The story continues with the owner’s final attempt when he sends his son (Jesus) to the vineyard with the thought that surely the tenants would respect his son.
Wrong.
We know how the rest of the story goes… They murder the son and carelessly throw away his body.
Ultimately, we learn that the tenants, although they are supposed religious leaders, will face eternal death due to their selfish ways and lack of acknowledgement of the son of God. The vineyard instead will be given to the servants who obey the Lord with all their heart.
I love the way the parable concludes:
“The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.“
So what does this mean for us?
In a world full of religion, fame and fortune, we must be very aware to the condition of our hearts. Lately my own heart has been burdened with the “yuck” of this world as I pray for specific individuals… Murder, suicide, divorce, lies, greed, adultery…
It breaks my heart. An scares the ever-living tar out of me.
As a person who has been called to follow God and share His message (as we all are!) I know that I am not immune to developing a tenant-like heart.
It is scary to think about, but we see it all the time. Do you really think that a famous pastor of a megachurch who gets caught in adultery just woke up one day and said, “Hey, I will think I succumb to temptation and ruin my life/ministry/church?” Do we really believe that a business person who embezzles money made that decision in a moment?
Probably not. All sin starts with little black seeds of death, which if not taken care of, can sprout, take over our hearts and eventually our lives.
When that happens, we become like the tenants. Unintentionally, but fallen, forsaking our cornerstone nonetheless.
So what is a Jesus lover to do?
We should ask for deep awareness of the state of our heart. Petition the Lord to reveal the gross spots deep within and pray that He cleanse us. We can’t allow pride suck us down.
I would rather be a humble living servant than a dead greedy tenant.
Are there places in your life that you need to be extra cautious of the tenant-like heart? In what ways do you ensure that you keep Christ as the cornerstone of your life? I would love to hear from you. Chime in by leaving a comment below.
Friends, we are called to serve Him and it is a blessing to build our lives around a solid foundation. Don’t worry about collecting your reward now like the greedy tenants… Let’s release that desire and focus on the reward given to us by the cornerstone.
Because that reward will last for all eternity.
Trusting Him with my Heart,
“That stone the masons threw out
is now the cornerstone!
This is God’s work;
we rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it!”
Linking up today with Kelli via Unforced Rhythms, Laura at Playdates with God, and Joan’s Beauty in His Grip. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
