Appreciating Authority
Part 77 - Luke 20:1-18 (ESV) - Pastor Tim Kroeker
1 Peter 2:7-8:
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.”
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From a very early age, we tend to resist authority. A toddler will stubbornly run in the opposite direction when mother calls. A teenager will wear certain clothes or listen to certain music in defiance of the established norms. As adults we don’t like anyone telling us what to do either, whether our boss, spouse, or even a friend. Like Frank Sinatra famously sang, “I did it my way.”
Upon his arrival in Jerusalem with his disciples hailing him as king, Jesus immediately went to the temple, drove out the merchants, and began teaching. As we continue in our salvation story we read that representatives of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin, then came and challenged Jesus’ authority. Who exactly did he think he was?
The religious leaders’ questions weren’t sincere. Their opposition would lead to Jesus’ execution just days later, which he foretells here in the parable about a vineyard and some wicked servants.
While the story vividly illustrates Israel and her rebellious leaders, its significance lies primarily in the revealing of Jesus’ identity. He was the owner’s son. Jesus is the Son of God by whom everyone will be either saved or judged. Disciples acknowledge Jesus’ authority by listening and aligning their lives to his teaching.
