20:9 a long time. Matthew 21:33-41 and Mark 12:1-12 both report this same parable, representing the dealings of Christ with Israel, as shown by the relations of a man with the caretakers of his vineyard. Only Luke, however, indicates that the owner of the vineyard would be in the “far country for a long time.” God was longsuffering with Israel, and her rejection of His prophets. When they also rejected His Son, He finally gave “their vineyard to others” (Luke 20:16).