Definition: And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent [him] away empty.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 20:10. It's a really important and slightly dramatic passage about love, loyalty, and ultimately, God’s plan for someone. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is talking about a vineyard – a place of beautiful fruit and prosperity. A husbandman (a farmer) is working there, and he's being treated unfairly. He’s being beaten up and sent away empty-handed. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "Luke 20:10 And at the season…" – This means "at a time of harvest," which is a time when the vineyard is full of fruit. It's a period of plenty and celebration. “…he sent a servant…” – Jesus is telling us that someone is being tasked with taking care of this vineyard. “…to the husbandmen…” – This refers to a group of people who work together in the vineyard, often as part of a larger community or family. It’s a specific group of workers. “…that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard:” – This means Jesus is telling us that the husbandman needs to share his good work – his harvest – with others. He's asking for a portion of the success he's earned. “But the husbandmen beat him, and sent [him] away empty.” – Here’s the core of the story. The husbandman is being deliberately cruel and dismissive. He’s hurting Jesus, and he’s leaving without any reward or benefit. The word "sent" means to send someone away with a negative outcome. “Empty” means lacking something valuable. What does this verse mean? This verse speaks to the importance of love, loyalty, and faithfulness . It's about: True Relationships: Jesus is saying that true relationships are built on respect and care for one another. Giving Back: The husbandman isn’t just being treated poorly; he’s actively trying to harm Jesus. This shows a lack of respect and a willingness to cause pain. God's Plan: God wants the husbandman to be successful, and He’s setting up this situation to ensure that the harvest (his success) is shared fairly. It's about a divine purpose. In essence, it’s a story about the rewards of faithfulness and the consequences of disrespect. It’s a reminder that we should treat others with kindness and loyalty, as God values those who honor Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Explore the symbolism behind the vineyard imagery? Give you some context about the meaning of the parable in a broader biblical understanding?