Jesus the Capstone

 Luke 19:45-20:19

Key Verse 20:17

1. Read 19:45-48. What do the following expressions tell us about God’s purpose in building God’s kingdom in the heart of a man? 1) House of prayer; and 2) every day he [Jesus] was teaching at the temple. What are some examples of people turning the Lord’s temple into a “den of robbers” (or the like) in our generation?

2. In rebuking the religious leaders of Jesus’ day in Luke 20:1-8, Jesus reminded them of John’s baptism. What does John’s baptism stand for? Why is John’s baptism necessary in building God’s kingdom in the heart of a man? What shows that they did not receive John’s baptism yet?

3. Think about the parable of tenants in verses 9-15. What do the following words tell us about the way God desires to build His kingdom in the hearts of people? 1) Vineyard; 2) farmers; 3) harvest time; and 4) fruit? 

4. What does the word “rented” or “tenants” indicate about the position of the “farmers”? Why would the farmers mistreat the servants and even kill the son sent by the owner? 

5. Read verses 16-19. Who is the stone? What is the significance of the capstone of a building? What is the consequence of rejecting the stone? What does the word “capstone” tell us about the way God chose to build His kingdom?