THE EVIL TENANTS OF THE VINEYARD (PART 2) - REJECTING EVEN THE SON OF GOD (MARK 12:1-12)

Dear Members in Christ,

The Evil tenants of the vineyard (Part 2) - Rejecting even the Son of God (Mark 12:1-12) 

The parable of the evil husbandmen continues with the last mention where the Lord Jesus pointed out the ill-treatment of the servants sent by the owner to call the tenant farmers to account. It is written that “And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.” (Mark 12:2). However, this and successive servants sent to the vineyard were cruelly treated.

“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. And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.” Mark 12:4,5

This parable makes a direct reference to the shameful way the Pharisees and scribes were dealing with God’s servants. Through the history of the Old Testament, we see this pattern emerging. Whenever God sends His servants to warn or admonish His people to turn and repent of their sins, they were inevitably ill-treated. The Lord Jesus Himself mentioned in the Gospel of Luke that “From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.” (Luke 11:51). Through the Scriptures, God’s servants were persecuted by no less than those who profess their rule over religion, and claim to know God’s Word.

The religious rulers were getting a lesson from no less than the Son of God. Were they repentant and turn their hearts to God? Are there any among them who like Nicodemus would say to the Lord Jesus, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God.”? Sadly, the rest of the parable testifies of the hardened nature of a self-righteous heart of the religious leaders in the days of the Lord Jesus’ ministry.

A. The rejection of God’s Beloved Son – the covetous hearts of the evil husbandmen

The parable continues with the owner, still gracious and hopeful that the evil tenants will repent and relent of their violence. This paints a picture of the owner’s gracious, self-sacrificing nature – a figurative reference to the way in which God deals graciously towards His people.

“Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.” Mark 12:6-8

The parable appeals to good sense and reason, i.e. that since they did not respect the servants, the owner sent his son, whom he thought they will reverence, but the husbandmen rejected even the owner’s son. They became covetous, wanting the vineyard for themselves.

The Pharisees had this attitude, rejecting the Lord Jesus and wanting to “own” the religion. Modern day rejecters of God’s grace are the same, in a bid to possess salvation, they create a false religion of works and traditions. Do not be deceived – rejecting God’s grace can only lead to false religion! Dearly beloved, let us pray for those who are still in darkness, that they may not reject the grace of God. That in due time they may know the joy or salvation.

B. Vehement rejection by the religious rulers – and the day of reckoning

While the evil husbandmen carried out their plot, their coveteousness seems to have gotten them a short-term gain. How silly of them to think, “the inheritance shall be ours.” Instead, their doom is sure.

What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner.” Mark 12:9,10

Their day of reckoning shall come. The owner will certainly carry out his will to destroy the husbandmen dishing out their just desserts. The owner of the vineyard eventually came and destroyed the wicked husbandmen. This is a metaphor for the ultimate judgement and destruction upon those who reject the only begotten Son of God. And God will exalt the Lord Jesus in the day of reckoning.

Beware! All who reject the words of the prophets and the Lord Jesus. The end is judgement and destruction. By this parable, the Lord Jesus struck hard at the religious rulers of the day. They responded in a predictable fashion. “And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.” (Mark 12:12)

Dearly beloved what is the lesson for us? While we may not be religious rulers like the scribes and Pharisees, let us be wary of the root of stubbornness tending to reject God’s Word. As we serve God, we must be careful to know God’s will and live in obedience to His Word. A word for those who do not know the Gospel of salvation, the Bible teaches that the Lord Jesus will come again as judge and king – receive the Lord Jesus now! May some be led to know the Lord Jesus Christ today! Amen.    

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor