Jesus the Capstone

 

Luke 19:45-20:19

Key Verse 20:17

This passage teaches us the way for God to build God’s kingdom, that is, to use Jesus as the foundation. 

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? 

** To enable each person pray to God for all peoples on earth. Isaiah 56:7

** To let all peoples on earth know God’s will for them, so that people would come to know God in person and be blessed by God. Isaiah 11:9

** Man’s heart is the Lord’s temple where the Lord God is to reside as the King and Lord. For this reason the Apostles say that man’s body (heart) is the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1Co 6:19 

All other uses (of man’s body and spirit) are as good as a man turning the temple into a den of robbers. [Robber – the devil who comes to steal, rob, and destroy.] John 10:8 

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?

** Acts 19:4 – baptism of repentance

** God does not impose himself on us, for God gave us the key to either open the door of our heart or close it, to either accept Him or reject him. Repentance is to open our heart, and ask him for his help, that he would come in and build His rule in us.

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? 

** Vineyard – the environment and the people [of Israel], in and through whom he wishes to produce fruit [vine which produces wine, which is symbolic of the joy of salvation arising in a saved soul].Isaiah 5:1-8 

This reminds us that just as God established the Israelites so also God establishes a believer (Christian) who in turn is under God’s command to make disciples of all nations. 

** Farmers – religious leaders (gospel workers) 

** Harvest time – God gives each person the time to bear fruit.

** Fruit – result (joy, peace; souls saved) Gal 5:22; Pro 11:30; Matthew 4:19; Luke 5:10; John 4:36; 1Co 9:19; John 15:16

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? 

** Just as a salesperson needs to sell products and causes his company (boss) to make money, so also we Christians are called to do the work God has in mind, and produce the result God desires to see in and through us. 

** They forgot their position as tenants. They thought of themselves as 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? 

** Jesus Christ

** It is the “top” stone of a structure; the crowning achievement or final stoke (of God’s work of salvation). Read Acts 4:11 and 1Pe 2:7, where Peter suggests that Jesus is the crown of God’s work of redemption, the first fruit of all who are to rise after Jesus’ example. 1Co 15:20

** God wants to save all who put trust in Jesus Christ and follow His example.  

The end