Luke 20:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:12
12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, wisdom, faith. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 20:12
12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
Analysis
And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out—The third servant suffers even worse treatment: "wounded" (τραυματίσαντες, traumatisantes, injured, inflicting wounds) and "cast out" (ἐξέβαλον, exebalon, violently expelled). The escalation continues—from beating, to shameful treatment, to actual wounding. The casting out suggests expulsion from the vineyard itself, adding territorial claim to the rebellion. The tenants now act as if they own the property and can expel the owner's representatives.
The threefold sending of servants emphasizes God's extraordinary patience and the tenants' complete incorrigibility. In Jewish thought, threefold repetition established a matter firmly (Deuteronomy 19:15). Three servants, three rejections—the pattern is confirmed. The tenants are without excuse. Yet despite this escalating violence, the owner continues to reach out (v. 13), demonstrating mercy that exceeds all human reason. This parable exposes how religious leaders can become so invested in their positions that they violently reject anyone challenging their authority, even God's own messengers.
Historical Context
The wounding and casting out intensifies the prophetic suffering motif. Uriah the prophet was killed by King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 26:20-23). Zechariah was murdered in the temple courts (2 Chronicles 24:20-21, Matthew 23:35). The prophets were often driven out of Jerusalem, forced to prophesy from exile or hiding. This treatment culminated in John the Baptist's beheading (Luke 9:9) and would soon climax in Jesus' crucifixion "outside the gate" (Hebrews 13:12)—the ultimate "casting out" of God's messenger.
Reflection
- How does the threefold sending of servants establish the certainty of the tenants' guilt?
- What does the escalating violence reveal about the nature of rebellion against God?
- Why does rejection of God's word often lead to persecution of God's messengers?