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Group Study Guide: The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen as a Picture of Christ
Scripture Passages:
- Mark 12:1-12
- Matthew 21:33-46
- Luke 20:9-19
Opening Discussion:
- How does this parable reflect Christ’s mission?
- Have you ever felt rejected for doing what is right? How does this relate to Christ’s experience?
Part 1: Observing the Passage
Read Mark 12:1-12, Matthew 21:33-46, and Luke 20:9-19 aloud.
The Parable as a Picture of Christ
- Christ as the Vineyard – The vineyard represents Christ Himself, planted by the Father to bring life. Just as Israel was a shadow of Christ, so is the vineyard, intended to bear fruit.
- The Servants as Prophets – The prophets sent by God came to prepare the people for Christ. Their rejection mirrors Christ’s own coming rejection.
- The Son as Christ Before the Cross – The beloved son is a direct image of Jesus, who was sent to those who had already rejected the prophets.
- The Rejection of Christ – The tenants plot to seize the inheritance by killing the son, just as the religious leaders sought to claim authority over the kingdom by rejecting Jesus.
- The Cross Foreshadowed – Jesus, like the son in the parable, is thrown out and killed outside the vineyard, a clear reference to His crucifixion outside Jerusalem.
- The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone – Christ, rejected by the religious leaders, becomes the foundation of the new covenant.
- Judgment and the Giving of the Vineyard – The old tenants (Jewish leadership) are removed, and the vineyard (Christ’s kingdom) is given to those who will receive Him.
Key Differences Between the Accounts:
| Feature | Mark 12:1-12 | Matthew 21:33-46 | Luke 20:9-19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christ as the Vineyard | Emphasizes Christ’s authority as the owner’s son | Adds that the kingdom will be taken from the Jewish leaders | Warns that rejecting Christ will bring destruction |
| Rejection of the Son | The tenants believe they can seize the inheritance | The kingdom is transferred to those who accept Christ | The rejection of Christ is framed as a warning to all |
| The Rejected Stone | Jesus quotes Psalm 118 about the rejected stone | Expands with “the kingdom will be given to those who bear fruit” | Adds, “Whoever falls on this stone will be broken, but on whom it falls, it will crush” |
Part 2: Understanding the Picture of Christ
1. Jesus as the Rejected Son
- Why do the tenants think killing the son will give them the inheritance?
- How does this foreshadow the religious leaders’ motivation in crucifying Jesus?
2. The Vineyard as Christ
- If the vineyard represents Christ, what does it mean that it is given to others?
- How does this connect to the transition from the Old to the New Covenant?
3. The Cross and the Rejected Stone
- Read Psalm 118:22-23. Why does Jesus apply this to Himself?
- How does Jesus’ rejection lead to the establishment of His kingdom?
4. The Two Ways to Encounter Christ
- Luke 20:18 says that falling on the stone breaks a person, but being crushed by it destroys them. What does this mean?
- How does this reflect the difference between repentance and final judgment?
Part 3: Applying the Message
- In what ways do people today try to take “ownership” of Christ’s kingdom instead of submitting to Him?
- What does this passage teach us about surrendering to Christ?
- How can we ensure we are like the new tenants who receive Christ and not like those who reject Him?
Challenge for the Week:
- Identify an area where you struggle with surrendering to Christ’s authority.
- Pray for humility to receive Christ as the cornerstone of your life.
- Share the message of Christ’s mercy with someone who needs to hear it.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for entrusting His kingdom to those who receive Christ. Ask Him for faith to accept Jesus fully and bear fruit for His glory.
Memory Verse:
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” – Matthew 21:42
