Summary: Jesus tells a parable of a landowner (God), a vineyard (Israel), wicked tenants (the religious leaders), and a beloved son (Jesus). The tenants kill the son — and are judged.
Key Verse: v. 6 – “He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them…”
Discussion Questions:
- What does the vineyard represent? (cf. Isaiah 5:1–7)
- Who are the servants? Who is the beloved son?
- Why do the tenants think they’ll inherit the vineyard by killing the son?
- How does this parable summarize Israel’s prophetic history?
- What is the “just” response of the owner? What does this say about God’s justice and patience?
Cross References:
- Isaiah 5:1–7 – The vineyard song
- Hebrews 1:1–2 – God spoke through the prophets, then His Son
- Romans 11:20–21 – The branches were broken off because of unbelief