Luke 20:15 – “So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the parable reaches its tragic climax. The tenants, who have already rejected and mistreated the servants sent by the vineyard owner, now throw the owner’s son out of the vineyard and kill him. Their actions demonstrate their full rejection of the owner’s authority and their violent desire to take control of what does not belong to them.
This act of murder is symbolic of the religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus Christ. Just as the tenants kill the son to take possession of the vineyard, the religious leaders plotted to have Jesus killed to protect their position and power (John 11:47-53). However, the parable doesn’t end here. Jesus introduces the question, “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?” This points to the coming judgment for rejecting the Son.
Historical Context
During Jesus’ ministry, He repeatedly confronted the religious leaders about their corruption and hypocrisy. They saw Him as a threat because He exposed their greed and self-serving leadership. As Jesus gained more followers and challenged their authority, their hatred toward Him grew. This led to their decision to conspire with the Roman authorities to have Him crucified (Luke 22:1-6).
The act of throwing the son out of the vineyard reflects the way Jesus was taken outside the city of Jerusalem to be crucified (Hebrews 13:12). This detail is significant because it highlights the complete rejection of Jesus by His own people and their failure to recognize Him as the Messiah.
Theological Implications
This verse carries a powerful message about the consequences of rejecting God’s Son. The tenants’ actions show the severity of sin and rebellion against God’s authority. Sin isn’t just about making mistakes—it’s about a heart that rejects God’s rightful rule. When people reject Jesus, they are rejecting the very one through whom God offers salvation (John 14:6).
However, this verse also highlights the certainty of God’s justice. The parable makes it clear that the tenants won’t get away with their actions. The owner of the vineyard will come and bring judgment. This serves as a reminder that God’s patience is not endless—rejecting Jesus leads to judgment.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses dramatic imagery to convey the seriousness of rejecting God’s Son. The act of throwing the son out of the vineyard and killing him symbolizes the complete rejection of God’s authority. The location outside the vineyard mirrors Jesus’ crucifixion outside the city, emphasizing how rejection led to His death.
The rhetorical question—“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?”—creates tension and invites the audience to reflect on the justice of God. The question forces the listeners, including the religious leaders, to confront the reality that rebellion against God will not go unpunished.
Biblical Cross-References
- Hebrews 13:12 – Jesus was taken outside the city gates to be crucified, symbolizing His rejection by His people.
- John 11:47-53 – The religious leaders plot to kill Jesus to protect their power and influence.
- Acts 2:22-23 – Peter tells the crowd that Jesus was handed over to be killed according to God’s plan, but they were responsible for rejecting Him.
- Isaiah 53:3 – The prophecy of the Suffering Servant who would be despised and rejected by mankind.
- Matthew 21:39 – The parallel account of the parable, where the tenants take the son and kill him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the seriousness of rejecting Jesus. The tenants’ actions reflect the way people often try to live independently of God, rejecting His authority and His call to repentance. This verse warns that rejecting Jesus is not a small matter—it has eternal consequences.
On a personal level, this verse challenges believers to consider how they are responding to Jesus in their daily lives. Are we honoring Him as the Son of God and rightful Lord over our lives, or are we resisting His authority in certain areas? True faith involves surrendering to Jesus and producing the spiritual fruit God desires.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He sent His Son, knowing He would be rejected and killed. The vineyard owner didn’t give up after the tenants rejected the servants—he sent his beloved son as a final attempt to reach them. This reflects the depth of God’s love and His desire to save humanity (Romans 5:8).
However, God’s love also involves justice. The owner of the vineyard will bring judgment on the tenants, not because God is unloving, but because rejecting His Son leaves no other option. God’s love offers salvation to all, but it requires a response of faith and repentance.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is a direct reference to Jesus’ rejection and crucifixion. The son in the parable represents Jesus, the beloved Son of God, who was sent to call people to repentance and offer them salvation. Just as the tenants killed the son to seize control of the vineyard, the religious leaders conspired to kill Jesus to protect their influence.
However, Jesus’ death was not a defeat—it was part of God’s plan to provide salvation through His sacrifice. His resurrection demonstrated His victory over sin and death and affirmed His authority as the rightful heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2). Rejecting Jesus leads to judgment, but accepting Him leads to eternal life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why did the tenants believe they could take control of the vineyard by killing the son? What does this reveal about human nature?
- How do people today reject God’s authority, similar to the way the tenants rejected the vineyard owner’s son?
- Are there areas in your life where you are resisting Jesus’ lordship and trying to maintain control?
- How does understanding the consequences of rejecting Jesus impact the way you live out your faith?
- What does this parable teach us about the balance between God’s love and His justice?