Luke 20:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:15
15 So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, worship, prayer. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 20:15
15 So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
Analysis
So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? The murder is stated simply: "cast him out" (ἐκβαλόντες, ekbalontes) and "killed" (ἀπέκτειναν, apekteinan). Casting him "out of the vineyard" prophetically corresponds to Jesus' crucifixion "outside the gate" (Hebrews 13:12)—executed beyond Jerusalem's walls as a criminal. The tenants' crime is complete: they've murdered the beloved son to steal the inheritance.
Jesus then poses the rhetorical question: "What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?" (τί οὖν ποιήσει αὐτοῖς ὁ κύριος τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος, ti oun poiēsei autois ho kyrios tou ampelōnos). The question forces the audience to pronounce judgment on the tenants—and unknowingly on themselves. The "therefore" (οὖν, oun) indicates necessary consequence. Justice demands response to such heinous crime. By making the audience answer, Jesus ensures they cannot later claim the judgment was unfair—they themselves acknowledge its justice.
Historical Context
Jesus' crucifixion fulfilled this prophecy precisely. The Sanhedrin handed Jesus to Pilate for execution (Luke 23:1-25). He was crucified at Golgotha, "outside the gate," treated as a cursed criminal (Deuteronomy 21:23, Galatians 3:13). The religious leaders believed killing Jesus would end the threat to their authority. Instead, His resurrection vindicated His claims, and His death became the very means of salvation. The judgment Jesus predicted came in 70 AD when Rome destroyed Jerusalem—the vineyard given to others (Gentile believers grafted into God's people, Romans 11:17-24).
Reflection
- How does Jesus' crucifixion "outside the gate" fulfill both the parable and the prophetic pattern of rejected messengers?
- What does the question "What shall the lord do?" teach about the necessity of divine judgment for such rebellion?
- Why is killing the son the climactic sin that brings inevitable judgment?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 13:12