Jesus' confrontation with Israel’s leaders continues to build in Mark, as

we reach the parable of the tenants. In it, he likens them to tenant

farmers who reject the authority of the vineyard owner (God) and His

servants (the prophets), and foreshadows their ultimate rejection of Him,

the son.

We know that Jesus came to fulfill Israel’s covenant with God - the law and

everything that involved - but we should not ignore the deeper message

behind the parable speaking to us today. Seeking control, putting ourselves

in God’s place as owner and the worship of other idols, are still the crux

of our fallen human state. A message that confronts as much today, as it

ever did, but by the power of the spirit, because of His unwavering grace,

surrendering control will be all of our life's work.

By Hannah Flint