Definition: Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Luke 20:9. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for our lives and the importance of faith. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is talking about a farmer who plants a vineyard. This vineyard represents us – we are given a chance to live a good life, to grow into our potential, and to become something wonderful. He's telling us a story about how this process works. Here’s the breakdown of what’s happening: 1. The Farmer: Jesus is comparing himself to a farmer who carefully tends his vineyard. He’s working hard, nurturing his land, and putting in effort. 2. Planting the Vine: Jesus says he “planted” a vineyard. This signifies that we are given a starting point – a chance to live a life guided by God’s will. 3. Letting it Forth: The vineyard is left to grow, to flourish, and to produce fruit. It's meant to be fruitful - to bear good things! 4. Going Far Away: Then, Jesus says he “went into a far country for a long time.” This means that the process of growth takes time. It’s not a quick fix; it requires patience and dedication. The Meaning – What it’s Teaching Us: This parable is teaching us about: God's Plan: God has a plan for each of us, even when we don’t see it. He’s guiding us through our lives. Faith & Perseverance: It emphasizes the importance of faith . We need to believe in God and trust that He will work things out for us, even when things are difficult. It's about having a strong commitment to what He wants for you. Time & Patience: This isn’t a race! The growth of the vineyard takes time. It means we need to be patient and trust that God’s work will eventually bear fruit in our lives. In short, it's a reminder that God is working behind the scenes to bring about good things for us – and that we need to be faithful and trusting in His plan. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular theme in the Bible?