Luke 20:11
And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The pattern of sending multiple prophets marked Israel's history. God raised up prophet after prophet calling Israel to covenant faithfulness—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, and many others. Each generation often rejected the prophets God sent, sometimes violently. Hebrews 11:36-38 catalogs the prophets' sufferings: mockings, scourgings, imprisonment, stoning, being sawn asunder. Yet God continued sending messengers, demonstrating His desire that none should perish but all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sending of multiple prophets despite repeated rejection demonstrate His patience and mercy?
- What does the escalating violence toward God's messengers reveal about the progression of hardened hearts?
- How should awareness of God's persistent pursuit through multiple messengers shape our response to His word?
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Analysis & Commentary
And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty—The owner sends a second servant, demonstrating persistence and mercy. "Again" (προσέθετο, prosetheto, "he added") shows continued forbearance despite the first servant's treatment. The escalation is subtle but significant: this servant is not only beaten but "entreated shamefully" (ἀτιμάσαντες, atimasantes, dishonored, insulted, humiliated), indicating intensifying hostility.
The pattern reveals the progressive hardening of rebellious hearts. Each rejection makes the next easier. Each prophet's message becomes more unwelcome because it exposes guilt from previous rejections. The tenants don't merely fail in duty—they actively oppose the owner's representatives. Yet the owner persists, giving opportunity after opportunity for repentance. This reflects God's character: "The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy" (Numbers 14:18). His patience extends through multiple messengers, even as rebellion intensifies.