What parallels exist between Mark 12:7 and the rejection of Jesus today? Setting the Scene “ ‘But the tenants said to one another, “This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” ’ ” (Mark 12:7) In the parable of the wicked tenants, Jesus pictures Israel’s leaders as farmers leasing a vineyard from God. They beat, shame, and murder the Owner’s servants (the prophets). When the Owner finally sends His beloved Son, they plot to kill Him so they can keep the vineyard for themselves. The Core of Rejection Then • The tenants recognize the Son’s identity (“This is the heir”) • They calculate a self-serving gain (“the inheritance will be ours”) • They conclude that removing the Son secures autonomy (“Come, let us kill him”) Clear Parallels to Today’s Rejection of Jesus 1. Desire for Self-Rule • Then: Tenants wanted the vineyard without the Owner. • Now: Culture craves blessings of life, meaning, and morality while dismissing Christ’s lordship. • Psalm 2:3—“Let us break their chains and cast away their cords.” 2. Willful Recognition Followed by Suppression • Then: Tenants knew He was “the heir” yet still plotted murder. • Now: People sense the weight of Christ’s claims (Romans 1:20-21) but suppress the truth (Romans 1:18). 3. From Violent Opposition to Subtle Marginalization • Then: Physical violence against the Son. • Now: – Academic dismissal of Scripture – Legal pressures to silence biblical ethics – Social ridicule of Christian belief • John 3:19—“People loved the darkness rather than the light.” 4. Religious Gatekeepers Resisting the Cornerstone • Then: Chief priests and scribes rejected Jesus (Mark 12:12). • Now: Some clergy and theologians deny His divinity, atonement, or exclusivity, repeating the builders’ error (Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:7-8). 5. Grabbing the “Inheritance” Without the Heir • Then: Tenants expected to keep the vineyard’s produce. • Now: Society adopts Christian-shaped ideals—human dignity, justice, charity—while severing them from their Source. Divine Verdict Remains Unchanged • Mark 12:9—The Owner “will destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” • Hebrews 2:3—“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Living in Light of These Parallels • Stand firm on Christ’s unique authority and identity. • Proclaim the gospel lovingly yet boldly, knowing rejection is no surprise (John 15:18-20). • Guard personal hearts from subtle desires to keep areas of life “tenant-run.” • Rest in the Owner’s certainty: the rejected Son is now exalted (Philippians 2:9-11). |
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