Luke 20:13

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence [him] when they see him.

Then {G1161} said {G2036} the lord {G2962} of the vineyard {G290}, What {G5101} shall I do {G4160}? I will send {G3992} my {G3450} beloved {G27} son {G5207}: it may be {G2481} they will reverence {G1788} him when they see {G1492} him {G5126}.

“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What am I to do? I will send my son, whom I love; maybe they will respect him.’

‘What shall I do?’ asked the owner of the vineyard. ‘I will send my beloved son. Perhaps they will respect him.’

And the lord of the vineyard said, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; it may be they will reverence him.

Commentary

Luke 20:13 is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (or Tenants), recounted by Jesus during His final days in Jerusalem. This verse reveals the landowner's ultimate decision after his servants have been repeatedly abused and killed by the tenants: he will send his own son, believing his son's unique status will command reverence.

Context

Jesus shared this parable with the people while directly confronting the chief priests and scribes who questioned His authority (Luke 20:1-8). The parable itself (Luke 20:9-19) serves as a powerful allegory for Israel's history of rejecting God's prophets and, ultimately, His Son. The "lord of the vineyard" represents God, the "vineyard" is Israel, the "tenants" are the religious leaders, and the "servants" are the prophets God sent throughout history. This verse marks the climax of the landowner's patience and the height of his graciousness, demonstrating God's persistent efforts to reach His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Patience and Love: Despite repeated rejection and violence against His messengers, the "lord of the vineyard" (God) extends one final, profound act of grace by sending His most precious possession, His "beloved son." This illustrates God's enduring love and His desire for humanity to turn to Him, even when faced with obstinacy.
  • The Son's Unique Status: The phrase "my beloved son" immediately identifies this figure with Jesus Himself. This echoes the divine declarations at Jesus' baptism (Luke 3:22) and transfiguration (Luke 9:35), affirming His unique relationship with the Father and His supreme authority. God sent His Son as the ultimate revelation of Himself and His will.
  • Hope for Reverence: The landowner's hope ("it may be they will reverence him") highlights the expectation that the Son's presence would elicit respect and obedience, a hope tragically unfulfilled by the wicked tenants, who instead sought to seize the inheritance. This reveals the profound risk taken by God in sending His Son.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "beloved son" is huios agapetos (υἱός ἀγαπητός). This term emphasizes the deep affection and unique relationship between the Father and the Son, signifying His unparalleled importance and authority within the divine plan. The word "reverence" (Greek: entrepsontai, ἐντραπήσονται) implies a sense of shame, respect, or awe that should naturally arise in the presence of someone of higher standing. The landowner expected the tenants to be humbled and show proper deference to his Son, acknowledging His rightful place.

Practical Application

Luke 20:13 serves as a profound reminder of God's persistent pursuit of humanity. He has sent many messengers throughout history, culminating in the sending of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16). The parable challenges us to consider our response to this ultimate act of divine grace. Do we, like the wicked tenants, reject God's final and greatest messenger, or do we show Him the reverence and obedience He deserves? Recognizing Jesus as the "beloved Son" means acknowledging His divine authority and embracing the salvation He offers. Our response to Jesus determines our eternal destiny.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 3:17 (6 votes)

    And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

  • John 3:16 (4 votes)

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

  • John 3:17 (4 votes)

    For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

  • Jeremiah 36:3 (3 votes)

    It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

  • Jeremiah 36:7 (3 votes)

    It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great [is] the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people.

  • Hosea 6:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness [is] as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

  • Isaiah 5:4 (2 votes)

    What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?