(1) Overview
(NET) The vineyard is a figure for Israel in the OT (Isa 5:1–7). The nation and its leaders are the tenants, so the vineyard here may well refer to the promise that resides within the nation. The imagery is like that in Rom 11:11–24.
The warning that the owner would give the vineyard to others suggests that the care of the promise and the nation’s hope would be passed to others. This eventually looks to Gentile inclusion; see Eph 2:11–22.
The point of the parable in Mark 12:1–12 is that the leaders of the nation have been rejected by God and the vineyard (v. 9, referring to the nation and its privileged status) will be taken from them and given to others (an allusion to the Gentiles).
(2) Key word:
As the owner He could not do anything more. The tenant was unreasonable to the slaves sent by the owner and their treatment were worse than the previous one v.3-5. Note v.6
12:6 He had one left, his one dear son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’
That was their final chance and they should have known the judgment would come if they continued to resist.
(3) Key verse
12:9 What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.
"What then will the owner do?" The underlying meaning is, "He has done everything. His patient has a limit." What they deserve is judgment and the common sense is they should repent, but they did not. They suppressed their conscience and wanted to kill Jesus.
The end of the story would be the biggest surprise to the audience. The owner would give the vineyard to others! For thousands of years God had His promises given to Israel. They were the people of God. Now after this last attempt the owner had enough. The stone you rejected would become a cornerstone, a very important stone to another group of people.
(4) Reflection: What did God want to get from Israel throughout their history? I think it is their faith in Him. What about us? God has done everything He can to provide for our need-to be our Master, our Creator, and our God. What will He ask for you? Our faith in action.
When Israel rejected Jesus as their Messiah the blessings turned to the Gentiles. He is the Messiah, just not their Messiah. They missed their chance. Are we like them? God is good, gracious, merciful, holy, and true. Even if we reject Him He still is like that, but we will not be able to enjoy.
Audrey
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