THE EVIL TENANTS OF THE VINEYARD (PART 1) – VIOLENT REJECTION OF GOD’S SERVANTS (MARK 12:1-12)

Dear Members in Christ,

The evil tenants of the vineyard (Part 1) – violent rejection of God’s servants (Mark 12:1-12) 

Why is it that the world will naturally reject the message of peace with God in the Gospel? Why is it that the prophets and the preachers of the message of God were often ill-treated in the Bible? The Lord Jesus Christ taught this by way of a parable found in Mark chapter 12, the parable of the evil husbandmen.

“And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.” Mark 12:1

This was the economic model of the ancient times. A vineyard owner would let out his land to husbandmen (tenant farmers) to tend to the crops. The owner of the vineyard had made all provision and facility for the success of the venture. This diligent owner planted a vineyard and built a hedge. This ensured that the vineyard will not be broken into by pests like foxes and burrowing animals that may destroy the vine. Furthermore, he built a winefat and a tower. The wine fat is a vessel for receiving the grape juice when it is pressed. In the ancient times these are carved from a solid rock, taking considerable time and effort. He also built a tower, so that the farmer can keep watch over his field. What a picture of total and diligent preparation of the vineyard. The husbandman (a tenant or caretaker) had only to look after the vineyard and care for it faithfully.

The Lord Jesus uses the husbandmen as a metaphor for the religious rulers who were given charge to care for the spiritual needs of God’s people. However, Old Testament history shows that the religious authorities are the ones who most violently reject the Word of God delivered by His servants.

A. Rejecting God’s grace begins with bitterness towards God (v2-5)

The telling of the parable of the evil husbandman follows Mark chapter 11 where the Lord was hindered by the religious leaders, who said to Him, “By what authority doest thou these things?” (Mark 11:28). So, the Lord Jesus then taught the disciples with this parable. The meticulous way in which the vineyard owner in the parable tended for his vineyard shows God’s love and care for the spiritual needs of His people. In the parable, the vineyard was then rented to the husbandmen when the owner departed for a far country. So, when the owner called the husbandmen to account, this was what happened. 

“And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.  And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. And again, he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.” Mark 12:2-4

The owner sent a servant to the husbandmen, and he was beaten. The next two servants he sent were increasingly ill-treated. One was stoned and wounded, others were even more severely treated, and some killed. Throughout the ages, it is recorded in the Old Testament how God’s servants were persecuted by religious rulers whenever they carried a message for God’s people. The wicked husbandmen is a metaphorical reference to the wicked scribes, elders and chief priests who hindered and persecuted God’s servants.

Dearly beloved, let us pray for those whose hearts are hardened against the Gospel. May God have mercy and open their hearts and minds to receive the forgiveness of sins and salvation in the Lord Jesus.

B. The hardened reprobate will violently reject God’s grace

It may come as a surprise that those who are well versed with the Word of God would most violently reject the Gospel of salvation. As is evident in ancient times, the prophets were beaten and some were killed by religious leaders of Israel. Despite having the law of Moses, and the writings and the prophets, the chosen nation of God’s people did not recognize the Lord Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.

“And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.” Mark 12:5

The evil heart which rejects God’s grace will show hatred and bitterness towards God’s servants. This was evident in the Pharisees and scribes of the Lord Jesus’ days. What about in this present day? We have every facility and provision for us to know God’s will and serve Him faithfully. Beloved, let us pray for those who labour in God’s vineyard, that our hearts will be compliant and attuned to the Master’s bidding.

Brothers and sisters, also let us pray for those who reject God’s salvation grace. The initial rejection of a sinner brings about hatred and bitterness against God. Further rejection will also harden their hearts against the Gospel message. Pray for God’s mercy upon the unbelieving hearts of those who are still in darkness.    

– To be continued -    

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor