What lessons can we learn about stewardship from the vineyard tenants' actions? Setting the Scene: Luke 20:9 “Then He proceeded to tell the people this parable: ‘A man planted a vineyard, rented it out to some tenants, and went away for a long time.’” Jesus opens with a landowner who supplies everything: land, vines, walls, and press. The tenants supply only labor. Their response to the owner reveals timeless truths about stewardship. What the Tenants Forgot—and We Must Remember • Ownership never transferred. “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). • Responsibility was real. They agreed to care for the vines and share the fruit. • Accountability was certain. The owner “sent a servant… to collect his share” (Luke 20:10). • Rebellion begins in the heart. By beating the servants (v. 10-12) and killing the son (v. 15), they declared independence from rightful authority. • Judgment follows unfaithful stewardship. “He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others” (v. 16). Key Stewardship Principles Drawn from the Parable 1. God Entrusts Resources, Not Ownership – Genesis 1:28: humanity receives creation to “subdue” and “rule,” never to possess outright. 2. Faithfulness Means Producing Fruit for the Owner – John 15:8: “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit.” 3. Regular Accountability Is Built In – 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” 4. Rejection of God’s Messengers Reveals a Deeper Rejection of God Himself – Hebrews 1:1-2: God spoke “through the prophets” and finally “through His Son.” Ignoring both is deadly. 5. Grace Precedes Judgment – The owner sends multiple servants before acting in wrath. 2 Peter 3:9 echoes this patience: He is “patient… not wanting anyone to perish.” Lessons for Everyday Life • Hold possessions loosely; hold God’s trust tightly. • Evaluate fruit regularly: time, talents, and treasure exist to honor the Owner. • Welcome conviction through Scripture, pastors, and fellow believers instead of resisting like the tenants. • Remember Christ is the “beloved Son” sent to reclaim what is His—receive Him now, not later. • Anticipate the final audit. Live today so that “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21) will be heard tomorrow. Living It Out This Week – Set aside time to inventory God’s gifts to you. – Ask: “How can my work, home, and relationships yield fruit for Christ?” – Redirect any area where entitlement has crept in. Gratitude uproots rebellion. – Support and heed godly voices sent into your life; they are reminders of the Owner’s return. Faithful stewardship starts with recognizing the vineyard isn’t ours. The moment that truth grips the heart, fruitfulness naturally follows. |
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