Parable of the Vineyard
Who does the landowner represent?
God
Why didn't Jesus go at once to Lazarus?
Jesus took his time so that through Lazarus' death:
1. the glory of God might be revealed
2. people could believe in Him.
What are some of the things we know about the old city of Jericho?
1. The NEW city of Jericho was build beside the OLD city of Jericho, so that as you entered one, you left the other.
BONUS:
During the time of Joshua the thick walls fell down.
A curse from the Lord was placed on anyone who would rebuild the city. It was rebuilt during the reign of wicked King Ahab and the man who rebuilt the city's oldest and youngest sons died, fulfilling the curse.
Who does the nobleman who goes to accept a new kingdom represent?
Jesus
What did Martha do for Jesus to show her love?
She quietly worked, serving the guests and making food.
What did Jesus do in the temple.
Why?
1. He drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and He overturned the tables of the moneychangers.
2. Why? This was His Father's house and a place of worship. Jesus said, "My house shall be a house of PRAYER, but you make it a den of robbers."
What does the vineyard represent?
The vineyard represents the house of Israel, the Jews.
A royal feast at that time would require extensive (large scale) preparations. To know
how many guests were coming what would the host do?
Ahead of time he would send out servants to invite people to come and get an idea of
how much food and drink was needed.
How did the Pharisees try to trap Jesus the first time? Why was this a trap?
The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a tricky question about paying taxes to Caesar, the Roman ruler. They asked Him, “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” They thought no matter how Jesus answered, He would get in trouble.
Here’s why it was a trap:
If Jesus said “Yes,” the Pharisees thought the people would get angry at Him. Most Jews didn’t like the Romans ruling over them, and they didn’t like paying taxes to them.
If Jesus said “No,” then the Pharisees could report Him to the Roman leaders for going against Caesar, and He could be arrested.
What are some signs that Jesus says will happen before He returns?
Beginning Signs:
- false prophets will lead people astray
- there will be wars and rumours of wars
- famines & earthquakes
THEN:
- hardship, persecution (death), people will betray eachother
-more false prophets will pull many away
- People will hurt one another - there will be an increase in lawlessness (crime) and love will grow cold (selfishness)
At the beginning of the parable, how were all the maidens ready for the bridegroom?
1. All had lamps and oil.
2. All were waiting.
What do the foremen represent?
God's angels
How long did Jesus remain near the Jordan after receiving the message that Lazarus was sick?
He stayed teaching for 2 more days, and went to Bethany on the 3rd day.
How are the stories of Matthew and Luke different about the story of Blind Bartimaeus?
Are we concerned about these differences?
Matthew: 2 blind men, Jesus leaving Jericho
Luke: 1 blind man (Bartimaeus), and Jesus is going in Jericho.
We are NOT concerned about these differences.
1. Luke likely just decides to focus on Bartimaeus (he even knows his name). The other man is likely there, just not the main character.
2. As you leave old Jericho, you enter new Jericho, and vice versa.
We KNOW that the Bible is true and we can trust it. Even though these stories SEEM to disagree, they don't.
What does the going away represent?
Jesus is going away to accept His Kingdom. He is going to die for our SINS and then enter His heavenly kingdom. He may be gone for (what seems to us and his disciples) a long time.
What did Mary do for Jesus?
She anointed Jesus by pouring expensive oil on his head and feet.
She wiped it with her hair.
This oil was worth more than a year's wages for a labourer. 300 denarii or silver coins.
Why were the chief priests and scribes outraged?
1. Jesus drove out the money changers. It made them angry that he had the authority to do that. He was acting like the Son of God! They considered this blasphemy because they didn't believe that He was God.
2. They were angry that the children were shouting "Hosana, to the Son of David!" They were terrified that a repeat of the previous day (the triumphal entry) would happen again and that Jesus would be crowned King. They didn't want this because they feared a rebellion and punishment from the Romans.
What were some of the difficult tasks one had to do to make a good vineyard?
The rocks and stones had to be removed, they would need to make walls, and a watchtower so that humans and animals like foxes can't get in to trample the produce.
At that time, most people would accept the first invitation. Why was there a second invitation?
It was because they would need a reminder. They didn't have calendars.
How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees question about paying taxes to Caesar?
Jesus saw through their plan. He asked them to show Him a Roman coin. He asked, “Whose picture is on this coin?” They answered, “Caesar’s.”
Then Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
This wise answer amazed them! Jesus didn’t fall into their trap. Instead, He showed that we should respect the government by paying taxes, but more importantly, we must give our hearts, lives and glory to God.
How can we be watchful?
1. Watch for false teachings. Go back to the Bible.
2. Help guard eachother. Encourage eachother in the fight against sin (e.g. bad language, bullying)
3. PRAY
Why were some of them considered wise and others foolish?
WISE - Brought extra oil in case it took longer.
FOOLISH - Brought what they thought was enough.
Who do the workers represent?
Us - The People of the Kingdom
Why did the disciples NOT want Jesus to travel to Judea?
They were worried for Jesus life. The last time they were in Judea the Jews tried to stone Jesus, and they still wanted to kill him.
The story of Zacchaeus & Bartimaeus are similar. What are they both willing to give up?
DIGNITY
1. Bartimaeus keeps calling out to Jesus, even though people kept telling him to be quiet.
2. Zacchaeus was a grown adult and he climbed a tree to get to see Jesus. The people hated him because he was a tax collector, and they would likely make fun of him for that and for the fact that he was too short to even see.
BOTH men weren't afraid to be EMBARASSED and they DIDN'T GIVE UP in their quest to see Jesus.
What does the time the king is away represent?
1. It could represent the 3 days in the grave, when Jesus died and was in Heaven until He rose on the 3rd day.
2. It could represent the present time - when Jesus is in heaven and we are waiting for Him to return on the clouds of heaven.
What did Judas think about the ointment that Mary used to anoint Jesus?
Judas said, "Why all this waste? We could have sold this bottle and given the money to the poor!"
He said this because he was in charge of the money and he would often steal some.
What did Jesus to do the Fig Tree? Why
Jesus went up to the fig tree to find some figs. It was early in the season, but there should have been evidence of fruit growing on the tree. There was none. So Jesus cursed the tree. This wasn't anger, but a tree that does not bear fruit is useless. Jesus is also teaching his disciples with this, that a life of faith that bears no fruit, is really not a life of faith at all. (Think of the Pharisees).
The tree shriveled up and died.
The owner of the vineyard lent out his vineyard, how would this benefit the tenants?
They wouldn't have to go through the hard work of building a vineyard.
As the tenant they would keep most of the fruit.
Who are the servants and those who received the first, second and third invitation in
the parable. Think of The Parable of the Tenants which Jesus told right before this parable.
Servants - the prophets who were sent to Israel
People who received invitations - Jews - they received multiple calls.
The Sadduccees saw that the Pharisees had failed, they came to ask Jesus a question in order to trap him. Their question pokes fun at the Pharisees. What did they ask?
A woman was married to 7 brothers. Which will be her husband in the resurrection?
What might the "abomination of desolation" be?
What must we NOT do when we see the "abomination of desolation?"
It could be the fall of Jerusalem, or the end of times.
Jesus's focus is not so much on the time, but on what we should do.
Don't hang onto worldly things, but always be prepared to leave this life.
How do WE know that we're ready for Christ's return?
We can see the Holy Spirit working in us (conscience, desire to love and serve God, old nature dying, new nature coming to life, fruits of the Spirit).
What do the wages represent?
Our reward in heaven.
What does Jesus mean when He says, "Lazarus has fallen asleep."
To Jesus, death is simply but sleeping.
Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead, just as easily as someone wakes up a sleeping person.
If you stole or cheated someone, how were you to repay the victim according to the Old Testament Laws.
You had to repay MORE than what you too. Sometimes this was even up to 5X the amount!
What do the 10 minas represent?
The gospel
What did Jesus say in response to Judas' complaints about Mary anointing Jesus with the expensive perfume?
The Chief Priests and Scribes demanded that Jesus answer the question "Who gave you authority to do these things?" What were they asking? What does this question mean?
The Chief Priests and Scribes were the men who ruled the temple and had authority there. Basically, they were asking, "Who gave you authority or power to kick out the vendors and money changers?"
What price did the Owner require?
He required a small amount of crop.
Who is the king in the parable? How does he show his patience?
The King is God the Father.
He sends out many invitations. (patience)
What is so strange that the Sadduccees ask the question, "A woman was married to 7 brothers. Which will be her husband in the resurrection?"
The Sadduccees don't believe in the resurrection.
ALSO - this is clearly a made up exaggeration (hyperbole). It is very unlikely that a woman was remarried 7 times.
The foolish maidens asked for oil, but the wise could not give them oil since there wouldn't be enough for them all. Explain
Oil = Faith
Faith cannot be given to someone else - you have to have you own.
What does this parable mean?
1. All those who are called to work in the vineyard receive the same wages.
SO, All those who enter the Kingdom of heaven all receive the same gift of grace (forgiveness of sins and eternal life).
2. It doesn't matter when you believe - all your life or at the end.
How did Thomas (who later was pessimistic and doubted Jesus' resurrection when he didn't see Him), show His love for Jesus?
"Let us go and die with Him."
This shows his pessimism - Jesus is going to die.
What was Jesus sent into the world to do?
Who are the subjects who make the 5 or 10 minas?
Those who have heard the gospel. They should work with the gospel, grow their faith and want to share the gospel with others.
How did Jesus get the colt on which He rode?
He sent 2 disciples to get a colt from the village ahead, Bethphage. If anyone questions they are to say, "The Lord needs it."
Describe what happened when the owner sent his servants to collect payment?
One servant was beaten, another killed, and another stoned. He sent more servants and they did the same to them.
What does the king order be done to the murderers?
He tells his army to go out and kill those who treated his servants shamefully. Their city is destroyed.
What does Jesus teach about marriage and resurrection? How does He avoid the trap the Sadduccees have set?
The Sadduccees thought this question would make Jesus say something that didn’t make sense or prove that resurrection couldn’t be real.
But Jesus gave a powerful answer.
He said:
People won’t marry in the resurrection like they do on earth. (They will be like the angels.) Life after death will be different.
Then He said, God is the God of the living, not the dead. He reminded them that God called Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—even though those men had died a long time ago. That means they are still alive with God!
Jesus avoided their trap by showing that:
They didn’t understand the Scriptures or God’s power.
The resurrection is real.
Life after death is not the same as life on earth.
Jesus showed wisdom and truth, and the Sadducees couldn’t argue with Him after that.
The bridegroom goes in and shuts the door. What does this represent?
Christ's return & Judgement Day - There are no second chances.
The thief that was crucified on the cross with Jesus is an example of "the last will be first."
EXPLAIN what this means and how this is an example of how the last will be first.
1. This man was wicked and lived a life deserving the death penalty.
2. YET, right before He died he repented and Jesus accepted Him into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Bonus: Jesus said, "TODAY you will be with me in Paradise."
What was Martha's confession?
You are the Christ, the Son of God!
Those who hear the gospel, but they don't do anything with it, perhaps because of fear or persecution, or because of what others might think.
How did the people show their enthusiasm for Jesus?
Path for him: palm branches and cloaks
Sing: Hosana, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Waved: Banners, flags, palm branches
These are ALL things that you would do for a King returning in triumph.
What did the Owner send?
He sent his ONLY son (thinking that they would listen to him).
Finally what does the king tell them to do so that his hall will be filled?
He tells them to call all those who want to come (even those considered unworthy). GENTILES, go to the busy places (main roads). The King even provides them with the necessary wedding garments.
After the Pharisees and Sadduccees both tried and failed, the Pharisees made one last ditch attempt to trap Jesus. They sent their best legal and theologial expert. He asked, "What is the greatest commandment."
Why is this a trap? What did Jesus answer?
There were over 600 laws in the Old Testament, and different Jewish teachers argued about which ones were the most important. If Jesus picked just one law, some people might get angry and say He was ignoring the others. No matter what He chose, someone would likely disagree and accuse Him of disrespecting God's law.
But Jesus gave a perfect answer:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
(This is from Deuteronomy 6:5)
Then He added:
“And love your neighbor as yourself.”
(This is from Leviticus 19:18)
He said all the other laws depend on these two commandments. In other words, if you love God and love others, you are obeying everything God wants.
Why was this answer so powerful?
It showed that Jesus truly understood the heart of God’s law (what it really means).
It brought unity to all the commandments instead of picking sides.
It silenced the Pharisees again—they couldn’t argue with Him!
What is the main lesson of this parable?
We must always be ready for Christ's return.
No one's know's the day of moment....
What do the "ruling cities" represent in this parable?
Those who show responsibility over little will be given more.
Why did Jesus ride upon the colt of a donkey?
1. To fulfill the prophesy of Zechariah that says "Behold your King is coming...humble and mounted on a donkey."
2. This showed HUMILITY and the type of Kingdom that Christ would bring. A king would ride on a horse, not a donkey.
What did they do to the Owner's Son?
They murdered him, thinking they would receive his inheritance.
What can we learn from this parable? Think also about the man who was without wedding clothes.
1. You cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven on your own merit (goodness), you need to put on the wedding garments (Jesus' righteousness - we need Jesus' sacrifice).
2. Many are called - few are chosen.
3. Don't get caught up with everything around us here in the world and ignore God's call.
What did the people think Jesus should have done?
They thought Jesus should have healed Lazarus when he was sick, just as he healed the man born blind.
They were disappointed that he delayed and didn't come in time.
"If you were here, you could have healed Lazarus."
What do those who were killed before the king represent?
Satan and his followers who do whatever they can to stop the gospel from spreading.
It could also mean those who would later plot to kill Jesus.
Who is the Owner, and who are the tenants, and who are the servants?
The Owner is God
The Tenants are the scribes and pharisees
The Servants are the prophets.
What does Jesus do before calling Lazarus from the grave?
1. Jesus gives thanks to God for raising Lazarus (past tense....means it's already done.)
2. Jesus is praying out loud to make it clear to the crowd, so that they would give glory to God.
He prays out loud for the benefit of the people. He could have prayed quietly in his head, but he prays out loud to teach the people.
What is the Payment (the fruits the owner should receive)?
The payment is the attention/listening and REPENTance of FAITH.
What does Lazarus do in response to Jesus' command?
He comes out of the tomb, still bound with the grave cloths.
Is it possible the LORD can ask for fruit and we refuse to give him it?
Yes, God calls the whole world to believe in Him and repent of their sin. Unfortunately many people ignore that call and refuse to repent.
How did the Jews react to the miracle of raising Lazarus?
1. Many believed.
2. Some went to the Pharisees and told them what happened.
3. The Pharisees began to plot Jesus' death with the High Priest, Caiaphas.