Saying 65: The Parable of the Sharecroppers

1He said, “A creditor owned a vineyard. He leased it to some sharecroppers to work so that he could collect its fruit.

2“He sent his servant so that the sharecroppers could give him the fruit of the vineyard. They seized his servant, beat him, and nearly killed him.

3“The servant went back and told his master. His master said, ‘Maybe he simply did not know them.’ He sent another servant, but the tenants beat that one too.

4“Then the master sent his son, thinking, ‘Maybe they will show some respect to my son.’

5“Because they knew that he was the heir to the vineyard, the sharecroppers seized him and killed him. Anyone who has ears to hear should hear!”