Mark 12. The conflict between Jesus and the religious leadership of Jerusalem has now become a challenging chess game, and the bitter anger of the corrupt establishment is on full display. “How does Jesus respond to people” in this section? We find that he is pushing back with divine authority against the opposition.

In chapter eleven we noted that both the fig tree and the clearing of the temple were symbolic gestures related to Israel’s unfruitfulness and the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Chapter twelve opens with the Parable of the Tenants (12:1-12). It is a strong statement about the corruption and leadership failures of Israel’s religious elite. And they were seeking to arrest him… for they perceived he had told the parable against them. The vineyard imagery is drawn from Isaiah 5:1-7 and would have been very familiar to the teachers of the law. In both images the vineyard represents Israel – whom God loved and cared for – and yet the vineyard was unfruitful and unethical and God allowed for its destruction. Isaiah predicted the destruction of Israel and the exile of her people; Jesus predicted his own death and foresaw the plan to break down barriers that prevented all people from coming into a relationship with him. The religious leaders knew they were the wicked tenants in the parable, and Jesus knew they would succeed in killing him. They took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard (12:8).

Three more times in this chapter we see the religious authorities asking complex questions and trying to trap Jesus into saying something that would allow them to arrest him. Jesus answered questions about paying taxes, about the resurrection and marriage, and about the greatest commandment (12:13-34). In each instance, Jesus answered the questions with skill that demonstrated his greater understanding of the laws of God. His teaching authority was unparalleled. And after that no one dared ask him any more questions (12:34).

Jesus wraps up this day of conflict with a strong warning. Beware the scribes who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at feasts… who devour widows’ houses and for pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation (12:38-40).

In closing, these religious leaders who do everything for their own gain and glory are contrasted with the faith of a poor widow, who gave a simple two copper coins to the temple treasury (12:41-44).

Corrupt leadership – sometimes we know it when we see it, sometimes it remains hidden for a long time but eventually fails to bear good fruit (maybe even bearing rotten fruit). Corrupt leadership can be anywhere – in our churches, in our organizations, in our country. God will not be mocked. The warning Jesus gave is still relevant; corrupt leaders will receive greater condemnation. Having been entrusted with a position of leadership and power, those who exploit others and choose to use it for their own glory and gain, will face the wrath of God.

The hidden piece of good news in Jesus’ rebuke of corrupt leadership is this – Almighty God can work through seemingly terrible circumstances (like the death of Jesus) to bring about His purposes. He is just and good. He will come and destroy the wicked tenants and give the vineyard to others… This [turn of events] was the Lord’s doing, and it was marvelous in our eyes (12:9,11). Therefore, we do not lose hope.