Jesus speaks of a man who built a vineyard (v1). The travesty is that those working for him wouldn’t give him any of the fruit. They beat and kill those sent to collect the fruit (v2-5) and even kill his son (v6-8). This parable tells the story of Israel, which God created to bear the fruit to glorify Him. Israel went her own way attacking the prophets and finally killing Jesus. Is your life like Israel’s, like those who worked in the vineyard? We must realise, that we’re stewards. Consider the passage’s end (v9-11).

The Herodians (v13) were a very secular group who co-operated with the Romans for their own benefit. The Pharisees were the opposite, very religious and opposed to the Romans. These two groups come together to attack Jesus (v14-15).

On the Roman coin (v16) there was a picture of Caesar saying he was a god. Jesus’ answer (v17) shows that as an appointed ruler Caesar is to be obeyed, but he is not due worship which is due to God alone. As Christians we are to be loyal citizens, but we must never put obedience to earthly rulers over obedience to God.

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection and they had no real interest in this question (v19-23), they were trying to trap Jesus. Jesus’ answer teaches us that in the life to come (v24-25), there will be no marriages as these will be superseded by the relationship with Christ. Jesus attacks the Sadducees’ unbelief (v26-27). The great truth is that those who die in the Lord still have a living relationship with Him.