Emphasis Preaching Journal

This is one of the most grim parables Jesus ever told. Its shock value lies in the unabashed violence we observe in the tenants.

Part of what Jesus is telling us here has to do with our own tendency toward violence. Our selfishness often results in violence. Our selfishness is more than a quirk, more than a quiet inward stirring. It often leads to overt acts of violence. It breaks loose and lets loose on other people.