Category: Uncategorized

Beginning tomorrow I will be taking a one week break from posting. The Lord willing I will resume next Tuesday.

Mark 12:9
The logical choice. The offending husbandmen are to be punished. However, the key to note here is that though this would happen to the nation as a whole at that time period, this did not necessarily apply to individual persons. Many who were part of the plot to destroy Christ were later saved.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being so good to us! You are merciful if we will but turn to you for that mercy. You show us your truth and make it available to us. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 12:8
   When we think of what God has done for us by sending his Son, it is difficult to understand why he would go through with it. He is so great, and so much bigger than any of us. Nothing could make him do anything. Nobody could force him to action. So, he chose to do it this way. Why?
   Well, being wise and good, God knows that the best victory is the clearest one. Doing it this way, it is very clear that God has been more than extremely gracious. He is absolutely the hero. There is no other explanation. And, this is the way he wants it.

Heavenly Father, we know that you are good. When we think back on how you have blessed our lives, we realize that you always do what is best. Our mothers were just the people we needed. You bless us through these precious people that you put in our lives. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 12:7
   This is a very revealing verse. It is upon this and other Scriptures that many scholars base the assumption that the powers of the world did not fully understand the plan of salvation. It really seems that the leaders in Jerusalem thought they could destroy Jesus and make him go away. It seems that the powers of darkness were of the same opinion.
   It is important to note that getting one’s theology from a parable can be dangerous. As in this case, we need other sources to corroborate the facts. And it really seems that the idea of destroying the heir is consistent with reality. The devil surely knew that Jesus was special. But, just as his minions, he was not completely sure what the plan was.

Heavenly Father, your plans may not always be plain to us, but they are always wonderful. We can rest confident that your choices regarding what you reveal are infinitely wise. We praise you for your knowledge and faithfulness. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 12:6
Why send his son? Why think that he would be reverenced? The amazing love of God is indeed inscrutable to us.

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much! How can we ever praise you enough? Your mercy and grace are beyond our comprehension. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 12:5
The landowner continues to send for fruit. And, he continues to be denied. The fact that so many messengers are sent is meant to highlight the mercy of Almighty God. A less patient master would come immediately and do away with these worthless husbandmen.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your great mercy and grace! You loved us when we were unlovely. You have made us into what we are. You have given us a new position in Christ. Thank you, you deserve all the glory! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 12:4
   Why get into the specifics of some of the servants that were sent for the fruit? Isn’t this belaboring the point? No. This was done for effect. Scholars of the Scriptures should recognize the parallel to the ministry of the prophets and how they were treated. Parables work best when the hearer doesn’t fully ‘get’ it till the end. Then at the end they should ask themselves, why didn’t I get that sooner?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth we find in your Word. It is so applicable! We constantly find it to be accurate. The truths found there dawn on us as we read with illumination from the Holy Spirit. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 12:3
   These wicked men had come to enjoy the landowner’s vineyard. They thought of it as theirs. They had no respect for the rights of the owner.
   The Lord sent to Israel many prophets, who called for fruit in the lives of the Jews. But, often, they found none and they were abused by the people.

Heavenly Father, never can we ever know all that you have done. But what we do know is enough to help us understand why you ask for fruit in our lives. Like a vineyard, you have bestowed the investment in us. It is your work, we are the vines. We grow because of your care. Fruit in our life would only be the result of your activity, and you have every right to expect it. Thank you for being the faithful Lord of the vineyard. I love you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 12:2
   The landowner expects to partake of the fruits as per his agreement with the tenants. The Lord is always looking for fruit in our lives. This is for his glory, yes, but it is also a sign that we are doing well.

Heavenly Father, thank you for checking up on us. Fruit is worth the effort, and we want to bear much of it for your kingdom. Bless our efforts for your glory! You are the most wonderful Master! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.

Mark 12:1
   A parable is like a proverb, an apothegm, or an adage. It is like a comparison, an illustration, or a figure. It can be like a type or metaphor. But, a parable does not strictly fit in any one of these categories. So, what is a parable? It is a story told to explain a spiritual truth. The story parallels reality and teaches by virtue of its simple commentary on a deeper idea.
   The landowner in this story parallels the work of the Lord with the Israelite nation. He plants a vineyard, the establishment of the nation. He sets a hedge, bringing them to their land. He digs for a winepress, setting up the law and their system of worship. And he builds a tower, giving them peace from their enemies. The whole thing is then let out to husbandmen, those who take over after Moses and Joshua.

Heavenly Father, you are so worthy of our praise for your great faithfulness. You have blessed your church and each of us through it. You don’t limit your blessings as we limit of favors. If you blessed only those who had our approval, you would have a small task. But you know us all and you love us. Thank you! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise you, Amen.