Definition: He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard [it], they said, God forbid.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 20:16. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Bible, and it speaks about a future event that’s causing a lot of worry. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of intense upheaval and destruction that will happen when Jesus returns to Earth. It's essentially saying that something bad is going to happen – a complete dismantling of the existing system – and God is warning us about it. Let’s unpack each part: “He shall come and destroy these husbandmen…” - "Husbandmen" isn’t a word we typically use today. It refers to a specific type of organized labor or business structure, particularly in ancient times. Think of it as a system where people are assigned tasks and paid for doing them – a kind of “company” or group. The "destroying" part suggests a significant disruption and ending of this system. “…and shall give the vineyard to others.” - This is the core of the verse. The “vineyard” represents a community, a society, or even a nation – something that’s been established for a long time and has a certain level of prosperity. Jesus is saying that this system of organized labor will be destroyed and replaced with something else. “And when they heard [it], they said, ‘God forbid.’” - This is the crucial part. The people who heard this message were fearful. They realized that this destruction was a sign of God’s displeasure and a warning to avoid the impending changes. They understood that this wasn't just about a disruption; it was a threat to something truly important – perhaps their way of life, their security, or even their faith. What does this all mean? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus’s return and the eventual establishment of his kingdom. It suggests: A System Under Threat: The verse highlights that there's something inherently unstable within the existing social structures – the "husbandmen" – that will be challenged by Jesus’s arrival. God’s Judgment: It’s a warning about God’s judgment on those who are complacent or resistant to change. A New Beginning: Jesus's return is a promise of a new era, a time of restoration and a more just society. Important Note: The exact details of what Jesus will destroy are not explicitly stated in the Bible. However, this verse points to a period of significant change and potential upheaval that will ultimately lead to a better world under God’s rule. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the possible interpretations of this verse from different perspectives (e.g., historical, theological)? Provide context about the time period when this verse was written?