“He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. ” When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!” (Luke 20:16 NIV)
The Pharisees tired to trip Jesu up and in turn, He told them a story about a landowner and tenant farmers. The land owner went away and the tenant farmers got big for their britches. They mistreated the landowner’s representatives and eventually even killed his son – thinking they could somehow acquire the inheritance by eliminating the competition. Instead the landowner came and extracted retribution for their crimes.
The Pharisees knew Jesus was talking about them and they were outraged, incensed that Jesus would make such an accusation. But you and I have read the rest of the gospel. We know know that these very Temple Tenants would thrust our Jesus on the cross, murdering the Landowner’s Son in broad daylight.
The Pharisees failed to see themselves accurately in the narrative. We all struggle to a degree. We are all near-sighted, too selfish and too important to see the bigger picture with divine priority. This is why it is critical to engage with Jesus and ask for His perspective. His assessment of the situation is always perfect because He sees today, yesterday and tomorrow all at once. Jesus is free from the lens-smudge of sin and the me-first mentality – lasting affects from the fall. Jesus alone is able to see and judge justly. We can trust His analysis entirely.
When we receive insight from Jesus, we can course-correct or we can defend. Correction moves us into righter relationship with God. Deflection moves us further away from Him. Deflection over a lifetime will result in destruction.
“As for God, His way is perfect: the Lord’s word is flawless, He shields all who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 18:30 NIV)
“Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own’ it is not for them to direct their steps. Disicipline me, Lord, but only in due measure – not in Your anger, or You will reduce me to nothing.” (Jeremiah 10:34-24 NIV)
Lord, please help us see our flaws and all. May we heed Your warning and respect Your perfect perspective. Correct and realign us with Your will as often as necessary. We want to honor and participate in whatever You are doing here earth. Amen.