1. The Parable of the Tenants in the Vineyard Mk 12:1-12

2. 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.

3. Meaning of the Parable The man/the owner: God Vineyard: Israel Fence: Law of Moses

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. Do you remember? What is the meaning of the followings: Tenants His servants The harvest The son Killed the son

10. Do you remember? What is the meaning of the followings: The stone Builders The owner will come & kill those men

11. 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?