Mark 12:12 Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.
The parable of ‘the vineyard owners’ that Jesus elucidated to the crowd was a turning point in His ministry journey. The chief priests, Pharisees and the scribes understood that Jesus was referring to them in the parable. Jesus in this parable spoke about a vineyard owner, who planted a vineyard, dug a winepress, built a watchtower and rented it to tenants. When the owner sent His servants to collect some fruits from the harvest the tenants seized them, beat them up and treated them shamefully. They also killed some. Jesus was referring to the prophets whom Israel persecuted and murdered. When Jesus said, finally the owner sent His Son and they killed Him, the chief priests and the teachers of law knew that Jesus was pointing to them and they left enraged plotting His assassination.
The same Gospel truth that gives us life infuriates the disobedient. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). The substance of the truth is the same but to the obedient, simple and sincere the gospel is a pleasing life-giving aroma of Christ but to the disobedient, rebellious and riotous it is the aroma of death. The content is the same but the attitude with which God’s Word is received makes it a sweet smelling aroma or the dreadful aroma of death.
Processing the content of the story will make it a scent or a stick:
1. Content: Everyone heard the same story/parable from Jesus. The simple shepherds and fishermen humbled themselves and accepted the Messiah as their Saviour and King but the arrogant elite rebelled and rejected Him. The content of the truth remains the same but the way we process God’s Word will make it an aroma or foul smelling stench.
2. Connect: The Words of Jesus did not go into the spirit of the proud Pharisees but touched and transformed the lives of those who were humble and meek. God’s Word connects us with His heart however, if we are filled with anger, envy and frustration His Word will not connect us with Him. His Word will burn like fire in the heart of those who seek Him diligently.
3. Correct: The parable that should have brought correction in the hearts of the religious leaders turned them into corrupt criminals as their hearts were callous.
God’s Word will soften the hearts of those who love Him but will become a foul smell to the seditious.
Luke 4:28 When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, make my heart meek and teachable when you speak to me through parables, stories and testimonies. May I always be open to correction and change. Amen.
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