Luke 20:9-19

Luke 20:9-19

1. The parable shows us the deep corruption of human nature.
2. This parable shows us the amazing patience and patience of God.
3. This parable shows us the severity of God's judgments when they fall on obstinate sinners.

"Christ is never fully valued, until sin is clearly seen. We must know the depth and malignity of our disease, in order to appreciate the great Physician."

"We should learn to be more thankful for God's mercy. We have probably little idea of the extent of our obligations to it, and of the number of gracious messages which the Lord of the vineyard is constantly sending to our souls. The last day will unfold to our wondering eyes a long list of unacknowledged kindnesses, of which while we lived we took no notice."

"Happy will they be who are found hidden in the ark, in the day of the Lord's anger!"

Questions:

1. It is safe to say that nobody knows how truly wicked our sin is, as God does. Yet, as Ryle points out, Christ is never fully valued until sin is clearly seen. How do we view our sin? Are their sins that we coddle or downplay? Do we pray for grace to see our sin more clearly as it is?

2. Ryle points out God’s mercy in this text. He says “Mercies before conversion, mercies after conversion, mercies at every step of their journey on earth, will be revealed to the minds of saved saints, and make them ashamed of their own thanklessness.” Friends, how often do we give thanks for God’s many mercies to us? Does thankfulness mark us?

3. This passage closes with a serious warning about the wrath of the Lamb. Yes, God is a God of infinite grace and compassion, but He is also a consuming fire and will not be patient forever. We must ask ourselves, are we living up to our knowledge? Do we tend to think of God as one who must forgive us or as a God who is gracious to forgive? May we be the happy ones who are found taking refuge in the ark on that final day!