In a series of gripping parables and intense discussions, Mark 12 reveals Jesus' profound understanding of human nature and divine truth. His words cut through the noise, challenging those in power and inviting everyone to rethink their relationship with God and one another.
The Reading: Mark 12
World English Bible1 He began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the wine press, built a tower, rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country.
>
2 When it was time, he sent a servant to the farmer to get from the farmer his share of the fruit of the vineyard.
>
3 They took him, beat him, and sent him away empty.
>
4 Again, he sent another servant to them; and they threw stones at him, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated.
>
5 Again he sent another; and they killed him; and many others, beating some, and killing some.
>
6 Therefore still having one, his beloved son, he sent him last to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’
>
7 But those farmers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’
>
8 They took him, killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.
>
9 What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the farmers, and will give the vineyard to others.
>
10 Haven’t you even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner.
>
11 This was from the Lord, it is marvelous in our eyes’?”
>
12 They tried to seize him, but they feared the multitude; for they perceived that he spoke the parable against them. They left him, and went away.
>
13 They sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to him, that they might trap him with words.
>
14 When they had come, they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don’t defer to anyone; for you aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
>
15 Shall we give, or shall we not give?” But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it.”
>
16 They brought it. He said to them, “Whose is this image and inscription?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.”
>
17 Jesus answered them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” They marveled greatly at him.
>
18 There came to him Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection. They asked him, saying,
>
19 “Teacher, Moses wrote to us, ‘If a man’s brother dies, and leaves a wife behind him, and leaves no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up offspring for his brother.’
>
20 There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and dying left no offspring.
>
21 The second took her, and died, leaving no children behind him. The third likewise;
>
22 and the seven took her and left no children. Last of all the woman also died.
>
23 In the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be of them? For the seven had her as a wife.”
>
24 Jesus answered them, “Isn’t this because you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God?
>
25 For when they will rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
>
26 But about the dead, that they are raised; haven’t you read in the book of Moses, about the Bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?
>
27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are therefore badly mistaken.”
>
28 One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together. Knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?”
>
29 Jesus answered, “The greatest is, ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one:
>
30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.
>
31 The second is like this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
>
32 The scribe said to him, “Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he,
>
33 and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
>
34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from God’s Kingdom.” No one dared ask him any question after that.
>
35 Jesus responded, as he taught in the temple, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?
>
36 For David himself said in the Holy Spirit, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”’
>
37 Therefore David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his son?” The common people heard him gladly.
>
38 In his teaching he said to them, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces,
>
39 and the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts:
>
40 those who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”
>
41 Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much.
>
42 A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin.
>
43 He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,
>
44 for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Parable of the Vineyard
Jesus begins by sharing a parable about a man who plants a vineyard and rents it out to farmers. When he sends servants to collect his share of the produce, they are met with violence; some are beaten, and others are killed. Finally, he sends his beloved son, expecting the farmers to respect him, but they kill him too, thinking they can seize his inheritance. This story serves as a metaphor for God sending prophets and ultimately His Son to the people, who reject and mistreat them.
Questions About Taxes
Next, the Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a trick question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus cleverly asks for a coin, pointing out that it bears Caesar's image. He instructs them to give to Caesar what belongs to him but to give to God what belongs to God, leaving them in awe of his wisdom.
The Sadducees and the Resurrection
Following this, the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, pose a convoluted question about a woman who had several husbands. Jesus counters their argument by explaining that in the resurrection, life is different - there's no marriage, as people will be like angels.
The Greatest Commandments
A scribe then asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus quotes the Shema, stating the importance of loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and adds that loving your neighbor is equally important. The scribe acknowledges this wisdom, and Jesus tells him that he is close to the Kingdom of God.
A Warning to the Scribes
Finally, Jesus warns the crowd about the scribes who seek prestige and power while exploiting the vulnerable, emphasizing the need for genuine faith and humility.
Why It Matters
Embracing Parables
This chapter teaches us about the importance of understanding Jesus' parables and applying their lessons to our lives. The rejection of the son in the vineyard reflects how we often overlook the divine messages sent our way. We are reminded to remain open and receptive to God's guidance.
Loving God and Others
Jesus succinctly summarizes the essence of faith: love. Loving God wholeheartedly and showing compassion to our neighbors are foundational principles that transcend religious rituals. This love should motivate our actions and interactions daily, urging us to create a more caring community.
Being Aware of Influence
Jesus's warning against the scribes serves as a reminder to be cautious of those in positions of religious authority who may exploit their influence. We must be discerning about whom we follow and how we practice our faith.
To explore these lessons further, consider using the Sancta app to find a church near you, where you can connect with a community that values love and faith in action.
Coming Up Next: Mark 13
In the next part of our journey through Mark, we'll delve into Mark 13, where Jesus speaks about the end times and the signs to look for. Get ready for some thought-provoking prophecies that reveal His understanding of the future!