Luke 20:14 – “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, the parable reaches a turning point. When the tenants see the owner’s son approaching, they recognize him as the heir to the vineyard. Instead of showing respect, they conspire to kill him in the hope that by doing so, they can take possession of the vineyard themselves. Their logic is twisted—they believe that eliminating the heir will somehow give them the inheritance, as if the owner will simply hand over the property after his son is gone.

This is a picture of the religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus. They saw Him as a threat to their power and influence. Instead of recognizing Him as the Son of God, they plotted to eliminate Him, thinking that by doing so, they could maintain control over their religious system and the people. Their decision reveals the depth of their spiritual blindness and the corruption of their hearts.

Historical Context

During Jesus’ time, the religious leaders—particularly the chief priests, scribes, and elders—held significant authority over the Jewish people. They were responsible for teaching the Law and maintaining order in the temple, but their leadership had become self-serving. When Jesus came preaching repentance, performing miracles, and gaining a following, the leaders felt threatened.

Instead of acknowledging that Jesus was the Messiah, they viewed Him as a threat to their power and influence. This verse foreshadows their decision to arrest and crucify Him. Just as the tenants believed they could take control of the vineyard by killing the heir, the religious leaders believed they could maintain their control by eliminating Jesus (John 11:47-53).

Theological Implications

This verse reveals the danger of rejecting God’s authority. The tenants’ decision to kill the heir symbolizes humanity’s rebellion against God. Instead of acknowledging Him as the rightful owner of all things, people often act as if they can take control and live independently of God. But this rebellion doesn’t lead to freedom—it leads to judgment.

Another theological truth in this verse is the reality of human sin. The tenants’ greed and desire for control reflect the sinfulness of the human heart, which seeks self-interest over submission to God. This parable demonstrates that rejecting God’s Son is the ultimate act of rebellion and carries severe consequences.

Literary Analysis

This verse is a critical point in the parable. The phrase “This is the heir” highlights the tenants’ recognition of the son’s identity. They knew who he was, but instead of respecting him, they plotted to kill him. This mirrors how the religious leaders of Jesus’ time knew about the Messianic prophecies and recognized the authority of Jesus’ teaching but still chose to reject Him.

The tenants’ reasoning—“Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours”—is both illogical and symbolic. It shows the foolishness of trying to gain what rightfully belongs to God by rejecting His Son. The parable uses this moment to illustrate the tragic consequences of pride and greed.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 2:1-3 – The nations and rulers conspire against the Lord and His anointed one, reflecting humanity’s rebellion against God’s authority.
• John 11:47-53 – The chief priests and Pharisees plot to kill Jesus to protect their position and avoid Roman intervention.
• Matthew 27:18 – Pilate recognized that the religious leaders handed Jesus over to be crucified out of envy.
• Hebrews 1:2 – God has spoken to us through His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things.
• Acts 7:51-52 – Stephen accuses the religious leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and murdering the prophets and the Righteous One (Jesus).

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of rejecting Jesus and trying to live life on our own terms. The tenants represent people who want the blessings of life without submitting to God’s authority. Just as the tenants wanted the vineyard without the owner, people today often want the benefits of God’s creation without acknowledging Him as Lord.

This verse also challenges believers to examine their hearts. Are there areas in our lives where we are resisting God’s authority because we want to maintain control? The tenants’ rebellion didn’t lead to freedom—it led to destruction. In the same way, true freedom comes only when we surrender to Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in the fact that He sent His Son, even knowing that humanity would reject Him. The owner of the vineyard didn’t give up after the tenants mistreated the servants—he sent his beloved son, offering them one last chance to do what was right. This reflects God’s persistent love and desire for reconciliation.

However, God’s love is also just. His love doesn’t overlook sin, and persistent rejection of His Son leads to judgment. This verse reminds us that God’s love is not passive—it invites us to respond, but rejecting that invitation has consequences.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is directly connected to Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the “heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2). The tenants’ decision to kill the son foreshadows the religious leaders’ plot to crucify Jesus. They saw Him as a threat to their authority, but their rejection of Him was part of God’s greater plan for salvation.

Even though the religious leaders thought they were eliminating a problem, their actions fulfilled God’s plan. Jesus’ death on the cross was not a defeat—it was the means by which He would bring salvation to the world (Acts 2:23-24). His resurrection proved that death and rejection could not stop God’s purpose.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why did the tenants think they could gain control of the vineyard by killing the son? What does this reveal about human nature?
2. How do people today reject God’s authority and try to take control of their lives?
3. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God’s will because you want to maintain control?
4. How does knowing that God sent His Son out of love, even in the face of rejection, impact your relationship with Him?
5. What can we learn from this parable about the consequences of rejecting Jesus and the blessings of accepting Him as Lord?