On the Job Training_16 Matt. 21:15-46; 2 Peter 1:21 Once again Jesus is telling a story that He is holding up like a mirror before the religious leaders of Israel. And may I say more broadly than that, to all those who are unbelieving in Israel. He is holding a story up like a mirror to show them themselves. He wants them to see what they look like in the eyes of God, with regard to the way that they have responded to His ministry, to the ministry of John the Baptist, and frankly to the ministry of the prophets before them. As Jesus shows them this picture it is not a flattering picture. The mirror’s reflection is not an easy thing to look at. Even as He shows that to them and warns them of the coming judgment, He is showing them a picture of God’s love and grace and patience. That picture of God’s love and grace and patience, which we’ll see in the parable today as we study it, ought to have evoked from them a response of humility and repentance and wonder and love and praise.