26/3 - Journey to the Cross - Mark 12:1-17
Some thoughts from our Zoom time this morning…
1. Wanting control instead of trusting God
The tenants taking over the vineyard echoes the story of Book of Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve try to take control rather than trust God. In what areas of life are we tempted to take control instead of letting God lead?
2. Given responsibility—but claiming ownership
The vineyard, watchtower, and winepress show that the tenants were entrusted with something good—but they began to act like it was theirs. How do we handle the things God has entrusted to us? Do we steward them, or try to own them?
3. Rejecting God’s messengers
Jesus is pointing to Israel’s history of rejecting the prophets sent by God. Ultimately, he is also predicting his own rejection and death. Why do people sometimes resist or reject what God is saying to them?
4. An expectation of fruit
There is a clear expectation that the vineyard should produce fruit. God is not just interested in activity, but in lives that bear fruit. What kind of fruit is God looking for in our lives?
5. Jesus’ example in the face of suffering
Jesus speaks about his coming death, knowing what lies ahead, yet continues to live with humility, love, and faithfulness. What can we learn from his example about how to live through difficult or uncertain times?
6. Responding to challenge and conviction
The religious leaders realise Jesus is speaking about them, yet instead of repenting, they harden their hearts and look for ways to stop him. When we are challenged—by God or others—how do we respond?
7. Hearing and responding to the truth
Jesus’ teaching carries the sense of “whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” There is a responsibility not just to hear, but to respond—and also to keep sharing the message, even if others reject it. How do we stay faithful in both hearing and sharing?
8. God and earthly authority
In the question about paying taxes, Jesus holds a careful balance between honouring earthly authority and remaining faithful to God. What does it look like for us to live with that same balance today?
9. A wise and disarming response
Jesus’ answer leaves everyone amazed—truthful, wise, and impossible to trap. As one summary puts it: God was glorified, Caesar was satisfied, the people were edified, and his critics were stupefied. What can we learn from the way Jesus responds under pressure?
Almighty God,
whose image we bear and whose Son you have sent:
give us grace to render to you what is truly yours—
our hearts, our wills, and our lives.
Keep us from divided loyalties,
and teach us to honour you above all things;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.