January 8, 2012: Taking the Vineyard Back – Michael Hidalgo

This parable of Jesus cuts to the core of his reason for coming to earth. He points out that those who are in leadership are perpetrating a system of utter corruption. They are like wolves who are destroying the sheep. Like greedy tenants who are unwilling to give up the vineyard that was never their anyway. 

Jesus “steps into the pulpit” as a prophet. In referencing the “vineyard” he is speaking openly about the people of Israel (Isa 5). The tenants then are the ones responsible for it, and they are the ones that will be dealt with. Throughout the prophets there are messages from God telling the corrupt / oppressive leaders they will be judge. Jesus says, “Now is the time.”