In the parable that Jesus shares today we see a group of people grasping at things that do not belong to them. Even the Pharisees see what the end result will be. But it is interesting that the judgement that Jesus says will be rendered on the Pharisees is not that they will lose their positions, their influence, or their prestige. No, they will lose something much more precious they will lose the kingdom of God – The peace that comes from living in the presence of God. In the original Greek Jesus says the kingdom will be given over to the ethnos, literally the family of humankind.
PRODUCE GOOD FRUITS
In the same way that the curtain in the Holy of Holies is torn top to bottom and God is revealed to all at the moment of Jesus’ death, Jesus is saying every woman, man, and child is given the kingdom. It is not reserved for those with special training, for a particular race, with economic status, with a color of skin, or any other of the myriad ways we divide our family. Jesus is living proof that God is with us. And, it seems, it is only those who would deny God to others who will lose the kingdom.
Today I pray that I remember to be of service to all who I encounter, to be produce fruits that last regardless of our relationship according to human ideas.