Luke 20: 1-8

It's amazing to me how Jesus can cut thru the chase of any question and literally get to the "heart" of the matter. You see, Jesus saw directly into the hearts of those who questioned Him. Christ knew where they were going before they did.

Lets take a step back. We have a definite advantage today because the Gospel is complete. In Luke chapter 20, the Gospel was still being written. Try wrapping your head around such a radical teacher that breaks all boundaries of faith that you have practiced for 1000's of years. Yes, the old testament points to Christ many times but picture Christ in the flesh and He is giving orders and commanding such as God the Father did with Abraham. Crazy huh?

Are You a Wicked Tenant?

Luke 20:9-18

If you are following along you know Jesus LOVES to tell stories, parables. I believe it is Christ’s way of simplify or breaking down the obvious for us humans. Putting a different spin or perspective on things can help us related to our own lives. I have a lot to say about this particular parable but lets get to the point. These tenants are just nasty. They have no respect for the landlord and they violate everything the landlord stands for. Why do they do this? Why do the contemplate murder against the son of the landlord? The owner of the vineyard, aka landlord, gives the tenants every opportunity to share what is rightfully his and the tenants defile, disrespect, even conspire to commit murder, murder against his own flesh and blood thinking they would become heir to the vineyard. Does this sound like someone you know? Maybe Satan? Maybe yourself? I know I question myself all the time to make sure my heart is in the right place because it is so easy to wander from God.

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?[c]18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”

Caesar's or God's

Again, Jesus "perceived their craftiness" and knew that their hearts were not right with God. The scribes and chief priests wanted to catch Jesus and have the crowd turn on Him but this statement is so simple but has such a deep meaning.

“Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”

So simple right? Yes but no. I leave you with this one last question…….who do you belong to?

Aaron Paul  |  Church Member

Aaron is an active member of the church. He currently serves as a member of the worship team and the Men's Ministry. He & his wife Valerie have three children, Sienna, Avery & Evan.