A parable is a short story or metaphor, drawn from familiar cultural context and experience, and prompted by Jesus’ need to explain himself and his ministry. Each week this summer we'll explore one of Jesus' parables, asking what it is meant to teach us about Jesus and the Kingdom of God. In this week's parable, Jesus continues the vineyard metaphor to describe the privileged position that God’s people have had among the nations and the evil fruits these wicked tenants have produced. Jesus plainly says the kingdom of God will be taken from them and given to a people producing its fruits - pointing to a new people and a new kingdom which he is inaugurating!