April 12, 2026

Response to Preaching #

Mark 12:1-12

Introduction

We have a parable from the Lord. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. It is something the people of the day would relate to and understand. Many of the parables, are not always things we relate to in life, but we certainly can understand them easily. This parable is no different. This parable was specifically geared towards the pharisees, and was condemning them. It was very obvious to them as well.

Let’s notice a few things about this parable that stand out.

I. The Setup (1) #

• This is introductory material.

A. Work #

i. Planting the vineyard #

ii. Hedge of thorns for protection – all the effort was put in #

iii. Digged a place for the winefat (winepress, and the winefat old English for wine vat – place where the grape juice is stored). #

iv. Built a tower – #

• This was not a half hearted vineyard, it was a vineyard that had it all.
• God does things right! – This vineyard was done right.

B. Went away #

i. Let it out to a husbandmen – gave the land to be used, for the price of grape juice, expected to get return on his investment. #

ii. Went into a far country. #

II. Servants sent (2-5) #

A. Responsibility of the Servant #

i. The servant was not collecting for himself #

ii. The Servant was doing the work of his Master. #

B. Reception by the husbandman #

i. Beaten (3) #

ii. Cast stones & Wounded (4) #

iii. Killed & beaten (5) #

• This was a rough job for the servants
• The prophets of old time many were hated, beaten, cast in prison, killed.

iv. Sent away empty (3) #

v. Sent away shamefully (4) #

C. Resolve of the Master #

i. The Master was long-suffering about sending servants. #

ii. The husbandman was stubborn in his unwillingness to follow God. #

• Stephen in Acts 7, preaching his message before being martyred for Christ said:

Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

D. Resolve of the Servants #

i. These servants were loyal to their master #

• They were willing to give their life for the master!

ii. Faithful – Their faithfulness was to be commended… many people are not faithful today #

III. The Son #

A. One son (6) #

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

• Only begotten – made of God (Jesus)

B. Opportunity (7-8) #

i. The husbandmen knew it was the son #

ii. The husbandmen desired to take the vineyard for themselves #

• The took opportunity to take control of the vineyard!
• What the master had built, what the master had prepared, they desired to take it to themselves, and live off it’s profit.

iii. This was prophetic of Jesus death! #

• It also was the desire of the Pharisees!

C. Objection of the Master (9) #

• That is not going to work for the master
• The gospel was then sent to the gentiles, and the door of salvation was opened to the world.

IV. The Scripture (10) #

A. Read the Scriptures #

i. Pay attention to the Bible, read to learn #

• The Scriptures were written to be read!!!

ii. Quoted from Psalm #

Psa. 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. 23 This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

B. Rejection of Jesus (10-11) #

• Jesus was rejected of Israel – they cried, “Crucify him”

C. Religious leaders were angered (12) #

i. The Bible convicts! #

• These Pharisees were convicted by the Word of God, but rather than get right, they went out mad!
• Some people that are reproved by the Scriptures, get right, others get out!

ii. God’s desire is for you to get right! #

Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

How will you respond to the preaching? When God convicts your heart, for lack of loyalty to Him, to his church? For lack of reading His Word? For lack of faithfulness in hard times??