Luke 20:12 – “He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the owner of the vineyard (representing God) sends a third servant to the tenants, hoping they will finally respond correctly and give him the fruit he is owed. But instead of changing their ways, the tenants escalate their violence—they wound the third servant and throw him out of the vineyard. The escalation shows that the tenants’ rejection of the owner’s authority has hardened into open rebellion.
The third servant represents yet another prophet or messenger sent by God to call His people back to faithfulness. However, instead of listening, the people reject the messenger, continuing the pattern of rebellion that defined much of Israel’s history. This verse demonstrates the increasing hostility toward God’s messengers and the growing seriousness of the tenants’ sin.
Historical Context
God’s relationship with Israel was marked by His continual sending of prophets to guide, correct, and warn the people. Prophets like Elijah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were sent to call Israel back to obedience, but many were met with rejection, violence, and death. By the time Jesus told this parable, the religious leaders had also rejected John the Baptist, a prophet who had come to prepare the way for the Messiah (Luke 7:29-30).
The escalation of violence in the parable parallels Israel’s history. Early prophets were often ignored or mistreated, but later prophets faced more severe persecution. This pattern of rejection would culminate in the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus Himself, the Son of God.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals two important theological truths: the seriousness of sin and the persistence of God’s mercy. The tenants’ escalating violence demonstrates the corrupting nature of sin. What starts as a refusal to give the owner his due quickly turns into violence and outright rebellion. This shows that sin, when left unchecked, hardens the heart and leads to deeper rejection of God’s authority.
At the same time, God’s persistence in sending messengers reveals His incredible patience and mercy. Despite the repeated rejection of His prophets, God continues to reach out to His people, giving them opportunities to repent. However, His patience has limits, and persistent rejection leads to judgment.
Literary Analysis
The parable’s structure highlights the escalation of conflict. With each servant that is sent, the tenants’ rejection becomes more violent, culminating in their wounding and throwing out the third servant. This escalation builds tension and foreshadows the ultimate rejection of the vineyard owner’s son, which is a direct reference to Jesus’ coming crucifixion.
The phrase “wounded him and threw him out” is significant because it shows not only physical harm but also complete rejection. The tenants are not just mistreating the messengers—they are symbolically casting out the authority of the vineyard owner. This mirrors how Israel’s leaders were not simply rejecting individual prophets but were rejecting God Himself.
Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 – God repeatedly sent messengers to His people, but they mocked, despised, and mistreated them.
- Jeremiah 25:4 – The prophets were sent “again and again,” but the people refused to listen.
- Luke 7:29-30 – The people acknowledged God’s message through John the Baptist, but the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected it.
- Matthew 23:37 – Jesus laments over Jerusalem, highlighting how they killed the prophets and rejected God’s messengers.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of rejecting God’s call to repentance. God still sends messages through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and other people, calling us to grow spiritually and correct areas of sin. If we continually ignore or resist His guidance, our hearts can become hardened, just like the tenants in the parable.
This verse also reminds us of the importance of responding to God’s call the first time. The tenants’ repeated rejection led them further and further into rebellion. Likewise, when we put off repentance or ignore God’s voice, it becomes easier to do so again, leading us down a path of spiritual disobedience.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is demonstrated in His persistent pursuit of His people. Even after being rejected multiple times, the vineyard owner (God) does not give up easily. He continues to send messengers, hoping the tenants will change their ways. This reflects God’s desire for all people to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9).
However, God’s love is also just. His persistence doesn’t mean He will tolerate rebellion forever. There comes a time when rejection leads to judgment, not because God is unloving, but because rejecting His love leaves no other option.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The rejection of the third servant foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Jesus, the Son of God. Throughout Israel’s history, God’s messengers were rejected, but Jesus’ rejection would be the most severe. As the parable continues, the vineyard owner sends his son, thinking the tenants will respect him (Luke 20:13). But instead, they kill him.
Jesus’ death on the cross represents the culmination of humanity’s rejection of God. However, what the tenants (and the religious leaders) meant for evil, God used for good. Jesus’ death became the means by which salvation was made available to all who believe (Romans 5:8).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the tenants became more violent with each servant that was sent to them?
- How does this parable reflect the way people today often resist God’s authority in their lives?
- Are there areas in your life where you have ignored or resisted God’s call to repentance?
- How does God’s persistence and patience encourage you to respond to Him with obedience and gratitude?
- How does understanding Jesus as the final and ultimate messenger of God help you appreciate the significance of His death and resurrection?