Mark 12
BSB1 Then Jesus began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a wine vat, and built a watchtower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. 2 At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 But they seized the servant, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Then he sent them another servant, and they struck him over the head and treated him shamefully. 5 He sent still another, and this one they killed. He sent many others; some they beat and others they killed. 6 Finally, having one beloved son, he sent him to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. 7 But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they seized the son, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants, and will give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you never read this Scripture: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 11 This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’ ?" 12 At this, the leaders sought to arrest Jesus, for they knew that He had spoken this parable against them. But fearing the crowd, they left Him and went away. 13 Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words. 14 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?" 15 But Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to inspect." 16 So they brought it, and He asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. 17 Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him. 18 Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him: 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man is to marry his brother’s widow and raise up offspring for him. 20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died, leaving no children. 21 Then the second one married the widow, but he also died and left no children. And the third did likewise. 22 In this way, none of the seven left any children. And last of all, the woman died. 23 In the resurrection, then, whose wife will she be? For all seven were married to her." 24 Jesus said to them, “Aren’t you mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? 25 When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven. 26 But concerning the dead rising, have you not read about the burning bush in the Book of Moses, how God told him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ ? 27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!" 28 Now one of the scribes had come up and heard their debate. Noticing how well Jesus had answered them, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?" 29 Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these." 32 “Right, Teacher,” the scribe replied. “You have stated correctly that God is One and there is no other but Him, 33 and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, which is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34 When Jesus saw that the man had answered wisely, He said, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him any further. 35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, He asked, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? 36 Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ 37 David himself calls Him ‘Lord.’ So how can He be David’s son?” And the large crowd listened to Him with delight. 38 In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, 39 and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 40 They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." 41 As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. 43 Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. 44 For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on."
Study Notes — Mark 12
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Mark 12
- Themes from Mark 12
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Mark 12
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Mark 12 begins with the parable of the tenant farmers, who refuse to give the owner of the vineyard his due share of the crop. Jesus then teaches about the importance of giving to God what is God's, and he answers a question about the resurrection of the dead. The chapter also includes Jesus' famous teaching about the greatest commandment, to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself. Additionally, Jesus tells the parable of the widow's offering, highlighting the importance of generosity and faith. Throughout the chapter, Jesus' teachings and actions are met with increasing hostility from the religious leaders, who seek to trap him with clever questions and accusations.
Context for the Chapter
Mark 12 is part of the larger narrative of the Gospel of Mark, which tells the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This chapter is a pivotal moment in the Gospel, as Jesus' teachings and actions provoke a strong reaction from the religious leaders of the day. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as Jesus' teachings about the kingdom of God and the importance of faith and love are rooted in the Old Testament scriptures.
Heart Application
As we read Mark 12, we are called to examine our own hearts and to consider whether we are loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We are also challenged to consider the importance of faith and generosity in our own lives, and to ask whether we are putting our trust in Jesus and giving to God what is his due.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Mark 12 is a chapter about Jesus' teachings on faith, love, and generosity. Jesus tells parables and answers questions to help people understand the kingdom of God. He emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and giving to God what is his due. As we read this chapter, we are called to consider our own hearts and to ask whether we are putting our trust in Jesus.
Voices from the Church
“The parable of the tenant farmers is a powerful reminder of the importance of giving to God what is his due. As Calvin notes, "We are all tenants of God, and we must give him the fruit of our labor."”
— John Calvin
“The greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. As Spurgeon notes, "This is the greatest commandment, because it is the commandment that summarizes all the others."”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Parable of the Tenant Farmers (Mark 12:1-12) — Jesus tells a parable about tenant farmers who refuse to give the owner of the vineyard his due share of the crop. The parable is a powerful reminder of the importance of giving to God what is his due.
- Jesus' Teaching on Giving to God (Mark 12:13-17) — Jesus teaches about the importance of giving to God what is his due, and he answers a question about the resurrection of the dead.
- The Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28-34) — Jesus teaches about the greatest commandment, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
- The Parable of the Widow's Offering (Mark 12:41-44) — Jesus tells a parable about a widow who gives a small amount of money to the temple treasury, highlighting the importance of generosity and faith.
- Jesus' Warning about the Scribes (Mark 12:38-40) — Jesus warns about the dangers of the scribes, who are more concerned with outward appearances than with true faith and love for God.
Core Doctrines
- The Authority of Jesus
- Mark 12 emphasizes the authority of Jesus as the Son of God, who has come to teach about the kingdom of God and to call people to faith.
- The Importance of Faith
- Faith is a central theme in Mark 12, as Jesus calls people to put their trust in him and to have faith in the power of God.
- The Nature of God's Kingdom
- The parables in Mark 12 give us a glimpse into the nature of God's kingdom, which is a kingdom of love, justice, and mercy.
- The Call to Generosity
- The parable of the widow's offering highlights the importance of generosity and giving to God, even when it is difficult or costly.
Lessons from Mark 12
- The Importance of Faith — Mark 12 emphasizes the importance of faith in our relationship with God. As we read this chapter, we are called to examine our own faith and to consider whether we are putting our trust in Jesus.
- The Call to Generosity — The parable of the widow's offering highlights the importance of generosity and giving to God. As we read this chapter, we are called to consider our own giving and to ask whether we are giving to God what is his due.
- The Dangers of Outward Appearances — Jesus warns about the dangers of outward appearances and hypocrisy. As we read this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and to consider whether we are more concerned with outward appearances than with true faith and love for God.
- The Nature of God's Kingdom — The parables in Mark 12 give us a glimpse into the nature of God's kingdom, which is a kingdom of love, justice, and mercy. As we read this chapter, we are called to consider our own understanding of God's kingdom and to ask whether we are living in accordance with its principles.
- The Authority of Jesus — Mark 12 emphasizes the authority of Jesus as the Son of God. As we read this chapter, we are called to consider our own relationship with Jesus and to ask whether we are submitting to his authority in our lives.
Themes from Mark 12
- Faith and Love — Faith and love are central themes in Mark 12, as Jesus calls people to put their trust in him and to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- The Kingdom of God — The parables in Mark 12 give us a glimpse into the nature of God's kingdom, which is a kingdom of love, justice, and mercy.
- The Authority of Jesus — Mark 12 emphasizes the authority of Jesus as the Son of God, who has come to teach about the kingdom of God and to call people to faith.
- The Importance of Generosity — The parable of the widow's offering highlights the importance of generosity and giving to God, even when it is difficult or costly.
- The Dangers of Hypocrisy — Jesus warns about the dangers of outward appearances and hypocrisy, and calls people to examine their own hearts and to consider whether they are more concerned with outward appearances than with true faith and love for God.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and how can we put this into practice in our daily lives?
- How does the parable of the tenant farmers challenge our understanding of God's kingdom and our place in it?
- What does Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment reveal about the nature of God and his expectations for us?
- How can we apply the lesson of the widow's offering to our own lives, and what does it mean to give generously to God?
- What warnings does Jesus give about the dangers of outward appearances and hypocrisy, and how can we avoid these dangers in our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Parable of the Tenant Farmers (Mark 12:1-12)
| Mark 12:1 | Jesus tells a parable about a man who planted a vineyard and rented it to some farmers. |
| Mark 12:2 | The man sent a servant to collect the fruit of the vineyard, but the farmers beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. |
| Mark 12:3 | The man sent another servant, but the farmers beat him as well and sent him away empty-handed. |
| Mark 12:4 | The man sent a third servant, but the farmers beat him and killed him. |
| Mark 12:5 | The man sent many other servants, but the farmers beat and killed them all. |
| Mark 12:6 | Finally, the man sent his son to the farmers, but they killed him as well. |
| Mark 12:7 | The farmers thought that by killing the son, they could inherit the vineyard for themselves. |
| Mark 12:8 | But the man was not pleased with the farmers and decided to destroy them and give the vineyard to others. |
| Mark 12:9 | Jesus asks the crowd what the man will do to the farmers, and they reply that he will destroy them and give the vineyard to others. |
| Mark 12:10 | Jesus then quotes Psalm 118:22-23, which says that the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. |
| Mark 12:11 | Jesus says that this is a prophecy about himself, who was rejected by the leaders of Israel but has become the cornerstone of the church. |
| Mark 12:12 | The leaders of Israel realized that Jesus was talking about them, and they wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowd. |
2. Jesus' Teaching on Giving to God (Mark 12:13-17)
| Mark 12:13 | The Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Jesus by asking him if it was right to pay taxes to Caesar. |
| Mark 12:14 | Jesus asked them to show him a coin, and they gave him a denarius. |
| Mark 12:15 | Jesus asked them whose image was on the coin, and they replied that it was Caesar's. |
| Mark 12:16 | Jesus said that they should give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's. |
| Mark 12:17 | The Pharisees and Herodians were amazed at Jesus' answer and left him alone. |
3. The Greatest Commandment (Mark 12:28-34)
| Mark 12:28 | One of the scribes asked Jesus which commandment was the most important. |
| Mark 12:29 | Jesus replied that the most important commandment was to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. |
| Mark 12:30 | Jesus also said that the second most important commandment was to love one's neighbor as oneself. |
| Mark 12:31 | The scribe agreed with Jesus and said that loving God and one's neighbor was more important than any other commandment. |
| Mark 12:32 | Jesus commended the scribe for his answer and said that he was not far from the kingdom of God. |
| Mark 12:33 | The scribe realized that Jesus was talking about a personal relationship with God, not just following rules and regulations. |
| Mark 12:34 | After that, no one dared to ask Jesus any more questions. |
4. The Parable of the Widow's Offering (Mark 12:41-44)
| Mark 12:41 | Jesus sat down opposite the temple treasury and watched as people put money into it. |
| Mark 12:42 | Many rich people put in large amounts of money, but a poor widow put in two small coins. |
| Mark 12:43 | Jesus called his disciples to him and said that the widow had put in more than all the others. |
| Mark 12:44 | Jesus said that the others had given out of their wealth, but the widow had given out of her poverty, and had given everything she had. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the parable of the tenant farmers?
The parable of the tenant farmers is a powerful reminder of the importance of giving to God what is his due. The parable teaches that God is the owner of the vineyard, and that he expects his people to give him the fruit of their labor. The parable also warns about the dangers of rejecting God's messengers and his Son, Jesus Christ (Mark 12:1-12).
What is the greatest commandment?
The greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:29-31). This commandment is the foundation of all other commandments, and it is the key to living a life that is pleasing to God.
What is the significance of the widow's offering?
The widow's offering is significant because it shows that true generosity is not measured by the amount of money given, but by the sacrifice and faith behind it (Mark 12:41-44). The widow's offering is an example of the kind of faith and generosity that God values and rewards.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 12:1 → Isaiah 5:1-7 | The parable of the tenant farmers is similar to the parable of the vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7, which also teaches about God's expectation of fruit from his people. |
| 2 | Mark 12:10 → Psalm 118:22-23 | Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23, which says that the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is a prophecy about Jesus, who was rejected by the leaders of Israel but has become the cornerstone of the church. |
| 3 | Mark 12:17 → Romans 13:1-7 | The teaching on giving to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's is also found in Romans 13:1-7, which teaches about the importance of submitting to authority and giving to God what is his due. |
| 4 | Mark 12:29 → Deuteronomy 6:4-5 | The greatest commandment is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which teaches about the importance of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and might. |
| 5 | Mark 12:31 → Leviticus 19:18 | The commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself is found in Leviticus 19:18, which teaches about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. |
| 6 | Mark 12:41 → 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 | The teaching on generosity and giving to God is also found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, which teaches about the importance of giving generously and cheerfully to God. |
| 7 | Mark 12:44 → Luke 21:1-4 | The story of the widow's offering is also found in Luke 21:1-4, which teaches about the importance of giving to God out of one's poverty and faith. |
| 8 | Mark 12:1-12 → Matthew 21:33-46 | The parable of the tenant farmers is also found in Matthew 21:33-46, which teaches about the importance of giving to God what is his due and the dangers of rejecting God's messengers and his Son, Jesus Christ. |
Sermons on Mark 12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t |
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A Craving for the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being a watchman and warning the body of Christ. He acknowledges that while there will be encouraging messages about communi |
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(Covenant Word Ministries) Hell! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the belief held by many that life ends with death and there is no purpose or accountability beyond that. He emphasizes the shock that awaits |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept |
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Christ Our Passover by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the last four days of Jesus' ministry before his crucifixion. He compares the separation of a lamb for four days to Jesus |
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Judgment to Come Pt 1 by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opportunity the apostle Paul had to address the Roman governor while being a prisoner. The preacher emphasizes that the presentation of t |
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Baby Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the topic of baby Jesus and the growth of the baby. He emphasizes the importance of giving time to God and feeding our spirits through worshi |
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Vine Branches by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the disappointment of God and others with the fruit produced by humanity. He references the parable of the vineyard in Mark 12, where tenants |
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(John - Part 3): The Beauteous World as Made by Him by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word in upholding and sustaining the universe. He highlights the beauty and order that God has created in the world. The |
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(Basics) 26. Crucifixion and Praise by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God as a key to overcoming difficult situations in life. He compares praising God to having a master key that can |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Mark 12
Matthew Henry's commentary on Mark 12 emphasizes the importance of giving to God what is his due, and the dangers of rejecting God's messengers and his Son, Jesus Christ. Henry notes that the parable of the tenant farmers is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and obedience, and that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. Henry also highlights the significance of the widow's offering, which shows that true generosity is not measured by the amount of money given, but by the sacrifice and faith behind it. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and of putting our trust in Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of our faith. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' Use of Parables
Jesus uses parables to teach about the kingdom of God and to call people to faith. The parables are often surprising and unexpected, and they challenge the listener to think deeply about the nature of God and his kingdom.
The Hostility of the Religious Leaders
The religious leaders are increasingly hostile to Jesus throughout the chapter, seeking to trap him with clever questions and accusations. This hostility is a sign of the deep-seated opposition to Jesus and his teachings.
The Importance of Faith and Love
Faith and love are central themes in this chapter, as Jesus calls people to put their trust in him and to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.