Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray With Me”.
In Mark 12, Jesus tells a story about a man who plants a vineyard, rents it to farmers, and goes on a trip. When he sends a servant to collect rent, the farmers beat him up and send him away. The owner sends another servant who is also abused. A third servant, the farmers kill.
Finally the owner sends his son. The merciless farmers kill the son, dispose of the body, and say, “The vineyard is ours!”
Jesus said, “What do you think the owner will do? He will come and kill the farmers and give the vineyard to others” (Mark 12:9).
Some comments.
Jesus was building on a story the Old Testament prophet Isaiah told about a man who planted a vineyard. When it produced only bad fruit, the owner gave up his plans and destroyed the vineyard. Isaiah concludes,
God’s vineyard is the nation of Israel.
He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed;
for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.
(Isa 5:7)
In Jesus’ version of the story, it’s not just the vineyard-nation that’s a problem. Jesus points to the tenants, those occupying and managing the vineyard. The religious leaders, in charge of the Jewish religion, were deeply offended.
But were they so deeply offended that they might kill the son who was trying to collect rent? Jesus thought so. He was the son.
A second comment. Why wasn’t Jesus more friendly to the Jewish religion? After all, it’s the religion God gave Moses. It’s based on the Jewish scriptures. It’s the religion the Pharisees studied and followed. Sure, they made mistakes, but doesn’t everyone?
Jesus’ complaint? The Pharisees did religion without growing in their understanding of God. They were trying to own the vineyard rather than see themselves as renters and stewards of God’s property.
Now let me look in a mirror: I understand their problem. Me? I want to own the scriptures. I want to interpret them and tell everybody exactly what they mean. I want an organized, well-funded church. I don’t need Jesus telling me I’m wrong. I just need him as a saviour. In short, my approach to religion is uncomfortably close to that of the Pharisees.
Let’s pray.
O Father, you gave us scripture and commentaries and preachers and churches that create the religion we follow, and tell us what you want us to do.
But where are you in our religion? Are you in the songs we sing, the sermons we preach, the sacrifices we ask of ourselves and others? Are you chairman of the board? Are you chief financial officer?
Help us find you as we practice religion. Help us recognize your presence. Teach us to know you and love you.
Amen.
I’m Daniel, on the channel “Pray with Me”.
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