The Detroit times., 1910-08-27

In this study the Great Teacher In
two parallels portrays the mistake
made by the religionists OF HIS day.
The understanding OF these parallels
gives a clearer insight into the cause
which led TO the rejection OF Israel
| for time-from Divine favor. Incl
dentally. too, We are to remember that
nominal fieshy Israel was a prototype
| OF nominal Christendom. Hence we
may look for somewhat similar con-
| ditions and dealings now in the "har-
vest" time OF this Christian age.
| To get the force OF the Lords teach
ings here and everywhere IL Is neces-
sary to remember that the Jewish peo-
pie had been promised the Kingdom
of God. OF which David's kingdom was
type on a small scale. For centuries
they had been expecting great King,
Messiah. whose coming would exalt
them and bring them into prominence
as Gods Kingdom. John the Baptist
when he came to introduce Messiah,
told the Jews that unless they would
repent and come back, to the extent OF
their ability, into harmony with God
and the Law they need not expect to
share in the Messlanic Kingdom. Jesus
|
eousness should exceed the righteous
ness OF the scribes and pharisees,
they should In no wise enter into or
become members OF the long-waited-
for Kingdom. (Matthew $500 The
two parallels OF this study illustrate
what stood In the way OF the majority
The Jewish people professed to be
Gods people, willing to do Him SER
4. t,1
slaves. but. rather, like sons. All
were told TO go and work In Gods
vineyard; but they divided into i've
classes, represented by the two sons
in our first parable. One OF these sons
represented the outwardly religious
pious, who said, Yes. we will serve
God. However. they did not really
seek the Divine service, but rather the
service of their sects and parties ant
their own personal aims, honor. infu
ence and preferment. The other class
of Israelites, represented by the othel
son OF the parable. made no pretenss
of serving God, and were branded al
publicans. sinners, harlots. Neverthe
! less. when Jesus appeared, wher
Johns message went forth, and after
wards the teachings of Jesus and the
Apostles, these same publicans, sin
ners harlots. were the ones ready tt
receive him. while the religious, find
ing that his message was in conflic
with their teachings, repudiated him
Thus one OF the charges against Jesus
was, He receiveth publicans and sin
ers and eateth with them
The second parable represents Goo
: as the owner of a great vineyard, II
: all respects we'll appointed and fur
nished for his purpose. This vine
ward represents the Jewish nation
and the Divine promises made TO tha
people-the Law and all the arrange
ments OF the Law Covenant, for thei
development. This vineyard the
Nwnar let out to husbandmen. whose
duty 1t was to care for the vines anC
: &c fruitage and to render To the
owner the results. except portion
which they might keep for themselves
These husbandmen were the promi
rent religionists. of whom Jesus said
"The scribes and pharisees sit II
Moses seat. All. therefore, whatso
ever they bid you observe. that oh
serve and do" Matt. 1929 The
owner properly required returns on hi,
property and sent servants to receivs
his share OF the fruitage. But tn,
husbandmen, instead OF giving then
What was due their Master. abused
them by beating, killing and stonin.
them.
: These servants were the prophets
of old, sent TO Israel. They shoult
have received the kindest treatmen
, and an abundance OF fruits of meek
ness. gentleness. patience, etc. but
instead, thev were treated as intruder,
by the leaders of Israel. Some o
them were stoned, some beaten, SOM
murdered, some sawn asunder. SOM