Mark 12:1-12
And he began to speak
to them in parables. "A man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it,
and dug a pit for the wine press, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants,
and went into another country. When the time came, he sent a servant to the
tenants, to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him
and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another
servant, and they wounded him in the head, and treated him shamefully. And he
sent another, and him they killed; and so with many others, some they beat and
some they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son; finally he sent him to
them, saying, `They will respect my son.' But those tenants said to one
another, `This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be
ours.' And they took him and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What
will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants, and
give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture: `The very stone
which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the
Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" And they tried to arrest
him, but feared the multitude, for they perceived that he had told the parable
against them; so they left him and went away.
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What does Jesus'
parable about an absentee landlord and his tenants say to us? The hills of
Galilee were lined with numerous vineyards, and it was quite normal for the
owners to let out their estates to tenants. Many did it for the sole purpose of
collecting rent. Why did Jesus' story about wicked tenants cause offense to the
scribes and Pharisees? It contained both a prophetic message and a warning.
Isaiah had spoken of the house of Israel as "the vineyard of the Lord."
Jesus' listeners would likely understand this parable as referring to God's
dealing with a stubborn and rebellious people.
This parable speaks
to us today as well. It richly conveys some important truths about God and the
way he deals with his people. First, it tells us of God's generosity and trust.
The vineyard is well equipped with everything the tenants need. The owner went
away and left the vineyard in the hands of the tenants. God, likewise trusts us
enough to give us freedom to run life as we choose. This parable also tells us
of God's patience and justice. Not once, but many times he forgives the tenants
their debts. But while the tenants take advantage of the owner's patience, his
judgment and justice prevail in the end. Jesus foretold both his death and his
ultimate triumph. He knew he would be rejected and be killed, but he also knew
that would not be the end. After rejection would come glory – the glory of
resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father. How do we share in
this glory? By submitting to Jesus' kingly rule in our lives. Jesus promises
that we will bear much fruit (certainly the fruit of peace, righteousness, and
joy, and much more besides) if we abide in him. The Lord also entrusts his
gifts to each of us and he gives us work to do in his vineyard – the body of
Christ. He promises that our labor will not be in vain if we persevere with
faith to the end (see 1 Corinthians 15:58). We can expect trials and even
persecution. But in the end we will see triumph. Do you labor for the Lord with
joyful hope and with confidence in his triumph?
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"Thank you, Lord
Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given us; for all the pains
and insults which you have borne for us. O most merciful redeemer, friend, and
brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you
more nearly, for your own sake!"
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