Mk 12:1-12
History of salvation: The parable functions as a summary of salvation from the choice of Israel to the ingathering of the Gentiles. The setting is a vineyard, which is protected by a hedge and a tower and is fully equipped with a wine press. The vineyard metaphor, borrowed from the Old Testament, represents Israel, God’s chosen people. The man who plants the vineyard is God himself. The tenant farmers are the religious leaders of Israel. For Mark, these leaders are represented under the collective name of “Pharisees.” The vineyard owner’s servants are the prophets, who have been sent throughout time and always met with death. Their message—reform—was seldom heeded.
History of salvation: The parable functions as a summary of salvation from the choice of Israel to the ingathering of the Gentiles. The setting is a vineyard, which is protected by a hedge and a tower and is fully equipped with a wine press. The vineyard metaphor, borrowed from the Old Testament, represents Israel, God’s chosen people. The man who plants the vineyard is God himself. The tenant farmers are the religious leaders of Israel. For Mark, these leaders are represented under the collective name of “Pharisees.” The vineyard owner’s servants are the prophets, who have been sent throughout time and always met with death. Their message—reform—was seldom heeded.
The son of the vineyard owner is Jesus. He is the heir of the vineyard (the kingdom). He will be killed and the vineyard will be given to others. These others are the Gentiles. The reader knows the meaning of the parable: God’s covenant has been transferred from the Israelites to all people of faith. Because of Jesus, everyone is a part of the vineyard.