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What is the significance and meaning behind the parable of Luke 20:9-16, and what does the reference of verse 17 mean?

This parable addresses the Jewish nation that rejected Christ and the teachings and prophecies of the prophets of the Old Testament. As keepers of the faith, the Jewish people ought to have recognized the Messiah and faithfully brought others to Him so that they may be saved as well, but instead, they sought to kill Him and created stumbling blocks for those who would have believed. In Luke 20:17, the Lord pities them. They are consumed by their own arrogance and lack remorse. God loves the world and everyone of His creation. He desires that all would repent and return to Him. However, foolishness was the driving force that prevented these scribes and Pharisees from accepting the truth. They were not the least bit embarrassed by their ill-will, but became enraged at His words because they knew His message was specifically aimed at them. Unmerited privileges of being God’s nation were just an illusion in their own minds. His kingdom was open to everyone and the folly and ruin of these Jews were due to their lack of protection and devotion to the Lord of the vineyard that entrusted His vineyard to their care. Each part of the vineyard represents beauty in God's ministry, but these scribes and Pharisees were negligent and haughty and abused their duties and profaned their spiritual obligations.