How can we apply the lesson of stewardship from Luke 20:14 today? Setting the Scene • In Luke 20:9-16 Jesus tells of a landowner who “planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and went abroad for a long time” (v. 9). • The land, vines, and harvest belong entirely to the owner; the tenants are caretakers. • Verse 14 captures the tenants’ fatal error: “But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ ”. • Their rejection of the owner’s son mirrors humanity’s rejection of Christ and exposes a heart that refuses accountability. Key Stewardship Truths • Ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Everything we manage—money, time, influence, environment—belongs to God. • Responsibility: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). God expects fruit, not excuses. • Accountability: The owner returns and “will destroy those tenants” (Luke 20:16). Our management of God’s gifts will be evaluated (Romans 14:10-12). • Christ-centeredness: Rejecting the Son undermines all stewardship. “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Applying the Lesson Today 1. Recognize God’s rights • View every possession as loaned, never owned. • Hold resources with open hands, ready for God’s redirection. 2. Produce fruit that pleases the Owner • Character fruit—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). • Kingdom fruit—sharing the gospel, discipling others (Matthew 28:19-20). • Compassion fruit—caring for the needy, defending life, stewarding creation (Proverbs 14:31; Genesis 1:28). 3. Honor the Son above all • Submit plans, budgets, and schedules to Christ’s authority (Colossians 3:17). • Reject any impulse that places self-interest over obedience to Jesus (Luke 9:23-24). 4. Live with eternal accountability in view • Anticipate the day “each will receive his praise from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). • Let that coming audit shape daily choices, financial priorities, and career goals (2 Corinthians 5:10). Practical Habits of Faithful Tenants • Budget with a giving line first, not last. • Schedule weekly time for the Word and service before entertainment. • Periodically inventory possessions to see what can bless others. • Treat work as worship: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Mentor someone younger in the faith—transfer gospel riches, not just material ones (2 Timothy 2:2). • Pray over investments, purchases, and major life decisions, asking, “Will this advance the Owner’s purposes?” The Outcome of Faithful Stewardship • Joy now—partnership with Christ in His vineyard (John 15:11). • Impact here—communities taste the fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:11). • Reward forever—“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). |
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