The Parable of the Tenants in the

Vineyard

Mk 12:1-12

Main Theme

• It was a warning for the Jewish leaders for their disrespect for God and his prophets.

• It was also an accusation

for their ignorance

about God and

Scripture.

Meaning of the Parable

• The man/the owner: God

• Vineyard: Israel

• Fence: Law of Moses

Meaning of the Parable

• A hole for the winepress, a watch-tower: well-equipped, full of God’s blessings

• Tenants: religious leaders e.g. priests & elders

Meaning of the Parable

• His servants: the prophets• The harvest: holiness & love• His son: Jesus• His property will be ours: Jewish law – If

the property does not belong to anyone then anybody may take over. The Jewish leaders thought that they could inherit the Kingdom of God.

Meaning of the Parable

• Killed the son: Jesus predicted his death – Ps 118:22 is fulfilled

• Ps 118 – The stone - Jesus Builders – Jewish leaders Jesus was rejected by the Jewish leaders but he

became the Lord of all mankind. • The owner will come & kill those men: God will

punish the Jewish leaders and give his graces to those who want to have.

Reaction of the Jewish leaders

• The Jewish leaders understood the parable and were very angry with Jesus.

• They wanted to arrest Jesus. Because the ordinary people loved Jesus

therefore they dared not

to do anything to Jesus.

Do you remember?

• What is the meaning of the followings:

• The man/the owner

• Vineyard

• Fence

• A hole for the winepress, a watch-tower

• Tenants

Do you remember?

• What is the meaning of the followings:

• Tenants

• His servants

• The harvest

• The son

• Killed the son

Do you remember?

• What is the meaning of the followings:

• The stone

• Builders

• The owner will come & kill those men

Discussion

• Jesus told the parable openly to everybody. What is his purpose for doing so?

• In your opinion, is it good for Jesus to tell them this parable? Why?