Problem Tenants
The parable about the tenants describes a scenario between an owner and tenants that is impossible to explain except for the history of humans.
PROBLEM TENANTS! They are such a pain in the #*%!
Anyone who has rented or leased a property to problem tenants knows what I am talking about. It is just so frustrating to sign an agreement with people you think will be rational and then - BAM! They are mistreating that thing that you worked so hard to get ready and disregarding your ownership.
The property owner, “A man”, referenced in Mark 12 had some major problems with his tenants. We’re not talking about a few holes in the walls or late payments. His tenants were outright criminals - killing messengers sent from the owner and then even offing the son and throwing his body in the street.
In verse 9 Jesus asks what the owner will do? Many would respond, “What he should have done after the first messenger - ie, ‘Get Me My Gun!’” Many would be right to respond that way. In our human state we would not expect any property owner to respond with the patience displayed by the owner in Mark 12 - letting his messengers be killed and then even sending his son. That is just irresponsible.
Yep, here it comes. That may be considered the correct response if we were simply dealing with a property (a vineyard, building, apt, etc.) But this parable is likened unto the kingdom of God. Therefore we know the content refers to something much more valuable than stuff that can be owned.
The owners’ response to the tenants’ actions shows that he valued the tenants much more than their grapes or his property. He wanted the tenants to respect his ownership and each messenger sent was an opportunity for that to happen. But it never did. So the son was sent.
The Owner = God
Tenants = Us
Messengers = Prophets and Ministers of the Gospel
Son = Jesus
God wants you more than He wants your work, your religion, your stuff and more than His earth. He willingly sent His Son to give you the opportunity of salvation. But until you are willing to respect the Son, your fate is with those tenants whom the owner reserved for destruction.
The Son has been sent.