What Jesus Did! 'God Forbid!' — Luke 20:14-16

Saturday, November 16, 2019

"When the farmers saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the owner's son. This vineyard will be his. If we kill him, then it will be ours!' So the farmers threw the son out of the vineyard and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those farmers! Then he will lease the land to some other farmers." The people heard this story. They said, "No! This should never happen!"
— Luke 20:14-16 NLT
Illustration of Luke 20:14-16 NLT — "When the farmers saw the son, they said to each other, 'This is the owner's son."

Key Thought

"God forbid!" the people cried out when they heard Jesus' story. But God didn't stop the horrible events of the trial, rejection and crucifixion from happening. In fact, these events show his love for us and demonstrate Jesus' obedience to God. Jesus' crucifixion is horrible ... unconscionable ... and despicable. In normal human circumstances they would have been deplorable. Jesus, however, is much more than son of the farm owner; he is the Son of God and heir to all that belongs to God. Yet he will be treated with utmost contempt. It is so sad ... yet it is also our salvation!

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. I am sorry that it cost so much to share it with me and that Jesus had to endure so much for me. Make me worthy of this great cost by the sanctifying power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 2:22-24
  • 1 Corinthians 1:20-25
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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