We pick up from Palm Sunday after Jesus had entered the temple courts in Jerusalem. He observed everything that was happening there but chose, at that moment, to walk away. The following morning we read a strange account of Jesus cursing a fig tree. Mark shares that it wasn’t the season for figs but still Jesus cursed the tree for its lack of fruit and said, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again” (Mark 11:14).
When Jesus returned to the temple he was willing to take action to show how far away from God’s will the people had fallen. The temple was now a place where robbers and thieves felt comfortable and the corruption was evident all around. As always, the crowd was “amazed” by what Jesus did.
The following morning they passed the same fig tree but now it was dry and withered, signifying God’s judgement on Israel. His actions in the temple had stirred the hornet's nest of religious leaders and they accosted Jesus as he walked through the temple courts. Questioning his authority, he tied them in knots leaving them between a rock and a hard place.
33 So they answered Jesus, ‘We don’t know.’
Jesus said, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.’
Mark 11:33
In Chapter 12 we start with a parable as Jesus often used storytelling to engage the crowd while sending a clear message to those willing to hear. The parable shared the repeated ill-treatment of the master's servants as they attempted to collect the harvest that was rightfully theirs. Eventually, the master sent his son who was killed and thrown into the vineyard. Referring back to Psalm 118, Jesus shifted his use of imagery to show how the religious leaders rejected him as the cornerstone.
10 Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture:
‘“The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
11 the Lord has done this,
and it is marvellous in our eyes”?’
Mark 12:10-11
The chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders had taken in every word of Jesus’ parable. They knew exactly what he meant and that it was directed at them. Afraid of the reaction from the crowd they left, plotting their next move. The remainder of this chapter is a succession of encounters between various groups of religious leaders and Jesus. He was questioned about whether the people should pay taxes to Caesar, challenged regarding the intricate laws of marriage, and pushed to name the greatest commandment.
29 ‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” 31 The second is this: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.’
Mark 12:29-31
In the closing verses of Mark 12, Jesus warns the crowd against the teachers of the law. The words of his scathing attack must have got back to those in authority, further cementing their desire to have Jesus killed. He contrasts their behaviour with the tiny offering of the widow, given with a heart full of love for God, rather than one searching for the admiration of others.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.’
Mark 12:43-44
Something to think about…
There’s so much to think about, so today take the opportunity to flick through the chapters we have covered so far.
What have we discovered about the response to Jesus of the disciples, the crowds, and the Pharisees?
Kay Moorby
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