What does "He had one left to send" reveal about God's love for us? Setting the Scene “ ‘He still had one left to send, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” ’ ” (Mark 12:6) Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders through the Parable of the Vineyard. The landowner represents God; the tenants are Israel’s leaders; the servants picture the prophets sent across centuries; the final, singular messenger is “a beloved son” – unmistakably pointing to Jesus Himself. What Four Small Words Tell Us About a Great Big Love “He had one left to send” exposes layer after layer of divine affection: • Relentless pursuit – God kept reaching out when any human owner would have quit. • Exhaustive patience – Every previous messenger was beaten or killed, yet God’s patience endured. • Costly generosity – The “one left” is not a disposable servant but the treasure of the Father’s heart. • Final, climactic offer – Nothing greater can be given after the Son; this is the pinnacle of grace. Relentless Pursuit • 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise…but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” • Isaiah 65:2: “All day long I have held out My hands to a rebellious people.” God’s love pursues even the stubborn. The tenants’ violence did not cool the Owner’s compassion; instead, love intensified. Costly, Personal Love • John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” • Romans 8:32: “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also…graciously give us all things?” The phrase highlights what the Father values most: His Son. Giving the best reveals the depth of affection behind the gift. Love Confirmed by Covenant History Before the Son came, God sent: – Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and many more. – Hebrews 1:1–2 summarizes: “God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways. But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” The Son’s arrival crowns centuries of consistent love. Love That Risks Rejection “Finally he sent him.” God knew the cost yet chose the cross. • Romans 5:8: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Love does not wait for worthiness; it moves toward the unworthy at highest personal expense. Love That Triumphs The tenants killed the son, yet the story did not end in tragedy. • Acts 2:24: “But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death.” Resurrection proves the Father’s love is stronger than human hatred and death itself. Living in the Light of This Love – Rest in security: If the Father gave the Son, no good thing will be withheld. – Walk in gratitude: Daily life becomes a response to irreplaceable, sacrificial love. – Share the message: Just as servants were sent, believers now carry the same story of redeeming love to a world still in the vineyard. |
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