READ: Mark 12:1-12: … Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? … He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others.
It is the Tuesday before Good Friday. The spiritual leaders have asked Jesus about the authority by which He cleansed the temple (11:27-33). They do not acknowledge His power.
Jesus responds with three parables (Matt. 21:28-22:14), one of which Mark recounts: the parable of the vineyard managed by farmers. The owner has the right to receive a portion of the harvest. From abroad, he sends a servant to collect his share on his behalf, but they mistreat him and subsequent envoys. The master gives the farmers one more chance, sending his only son and heir. Surely, they will respect him. But the farmers kill Him. The vineyard is intended to produce fruits for the owner.
God blesses His children, but when they despise His blessing and do not show good works out of gratitude, they do not honor God. Yet, in His great patience, God sends them prophets to speak to them about serving God according to His demand.
But they are captured, tortured, or killed. God’s patience is not over yet; He sends His beloved Son, the Christ. He comes to His own, and His own do not receive Him. They do not want to honor God, instead killing His Son.
Here, the Lord Jesus depicts His own coming and work. He comes with the Gospel, performing miracles and encouraging people to accept Him as their Savior and show fruits of faith. But when this is lacking, God’s punishment comes upon the wicked farmers, and He gives the vineyard to others. Salvation goes to the Gentiles. The Jews have stumbled over Christ. They have rejected Him. But for others, He has become the cornerstone.
The message of the withered fig tree has become even more tangible in this parable. The spiritual leaders realize this and contemplate their response.
How many fruits does the Lord require from us?
Singing: Ps. 52:3,5