As we read Luke 20:1-19, we are privileged with an inside glimpse of the way Jesus responded to an angry pack of religious leaders. They had shown up in response to his "turning over of the temple tables," afterwards which, he began proclaiming a better gospel than their mandatory, hardly affordable sacrifices.
From their institutional vantage point, they challenged his credentials. "By what authority do you do these things?"
His response was two fold, first he brought up the impact of John's ministry. They were surrounded by many previously impassioned, their lives changed by way of the hope instilled through John's maverick message.
Secondly, he tells of a sequence of visits by servants of a distant vineyard owner, likely representing prophets of old. Each time they show up, they are beaten and denied fruit of the husbandmen in charge.
We are those husbsndmen, stewards of Creation!
Finally, the son is sent, the heir of all Creation, the Christ, the Cornerstone.
They killed him!
Jesus then speaks their rightful punishment, "Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."
Yet, on the cross we hear his true heart and for those same, still bent on his destruction. His words, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!"
Then finally, "It is finished!"
Mercy was the message of Easter!
Hope you’re doing well