What does Luke 20:15 mean?

This is the climax of the parable of the wicked tenants (Luke 20:9–18). The owner of a vineyard has sent servants to his vineyard and its hired hands. He expects the servants to bring back some of the harvest. However, the tenants have beaten or killed all the servants (Matthew 21:35). Finally, the owner sends his son. The tenants think if they kill the son, they will inherit the vineyard. In Jewish culture, patriarchs did sometimes adopt a servant as his heir (Genesis 15:3), and the owner has been in another country for a long time (Luke 20:9).

Jesus is telling this parable on the Temple Mount to a crowd that includes chief priests, scribes, and elders (Luke 20:1). These men are the religious, legal, and civil leaders of the Jewish people. Jesus has interrupted their smooth rule of Jerusalem, positions which earn them both honor and money. If they can get rid of Him, they can go back to reaping the rewards of their labor.

Jesus warns that their plan will fail. The owner of the vineyard will return and avenge his son. Then he will find new tenants to keep his vines. And in the same way, God will destroy the corrupt Jewish leaders who refused to guide the people in worship of their Messiah. Instead, He will find others—like lowly fishermen (Mark 1:16–17) and even Gentiles (Acts 15:17)—to lead His people. This makes the priests and scribes want to kill Jesus even more (Luke 20:16–19).