Luke 20:13
Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
In Jewish inheritance law, a son held incomparably higher status than servants. The son was the heir, representing the father's authority fully. Dishonoring the son dishonored the father utterly. Jesus' audience would recognize this sending as the ultimate test and ultimate risk. The parable parallels salvation history precisely: after prophets came the Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). John the Baptist, the last prophet, testified, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30), acknowledging Jesus' superior status as the Beloved Son.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the sending of the beloved son reveal both God's love and His desire for humanity's response?
- What does the father's hope that they'll reverence the son teach about God's redemptive purpose in sending Jesus?
- Why is rejection of the Son infinitely more serious than rejection of the servants?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him—The owner's deliberation (τί ποιήσω, ti poiēsō, "What shall I do?") expresses pathos, not uncertainty. After three servants beaten and expelled, he sends his "beloved son" (τὸν υἱόν μου τὸν ἀγαπητόν, ton huion mou ton agapēton). This phrase echoes the Father's declaration at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration (Luke 3:22, 9:35), making the christological reference unmistakable.
"It may be they will reverence him" (ἴσως ἐντραπήσονται, isōs entrapēsontai) expresses hope despite evidence to the contrary. The verb ἐντρέπω (entrepō) means to respect, show deference, feel shame before. The son's status should command respect the servants didn't receive. This reveals the incarnation's logic: God sent His Son as the ultimate revelation and appeal. The phrase also reveals the father's incredible vulnerability—sending his beloved son to violent rebels risks the ultimate loss. This is the gospel: God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son (John 3:16), knowing the world might kill Him.