The last part of Luke 19 reveals Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As He was teaching in the temple the chief priests, scribes and elders confronted Him questioning His authority. He then shared with them the parable of the vine-growers.
These well read men understood the significance of this parable because of its mention many times in the Old Testament which they knew. It is first found in Psalm eighty. It is also mentioned in Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah. The vine was the symbol of the Jewish people and they had failed to bear the fruit God desired.
Jesus then drew a verbal picture of His rejection by the Jews by explaining that the owner (God) of the vineyard sent three servants to collect what was owed Him and they all were killed by the vine-growers (Jews). Then when He sent His beloved Son they killed Him also. Following that He asked the question, "What will the owner of the vineyard do to them?"
He then explained that the owner would come and destroy the vine-growers and give the vineyard to others. This pictured the message of salvation being shared with and offered to the Gentiles. When this group of educated men said "May this never be", Jesus responded by quoting from Psalm 118:22 "The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief corner stone." "Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust." Jesus is the corner-stone on which Christianity is built. Those who stumble over that stone (or reject it) will be punished. That punishment results in eternal separation from God.
Because God’s chosen people, the Jews failed to accept and broadcast God’s plan of salvation, He has given that responsibility to us (Gentiles). We are to be faithful in carrying that message to others. As we share the plan of salvation, each individual has the choice of accepting or rejecting the message. The Holy Spirit works effectively in the hearts of men to achieve that. However, the choice is individually ours, and if we reject it we will be punished just as the Jews here described.
From - Joe Hanson Devotional May 13, 2007
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