Foundations: New Testament - MarkSample

A lot happens in Mark 12, but the running theme throughout the chapter is Jesus’ growing tensions with the religious leaders and their repeated questions about His authority, picking up where Mark concluded chapter 11. Chapter 12 begins and ends with accounts that illustrate God’s generous love, in contrast with the self-gratifying nature of the religious leaders. The religious authorities knew they were the wicked tenants in the parable, and Jesus knew they would succeed in having Him killed. However, they didn’t know they were acting in accordance with God’s gracious plan to redeem His people and break down barriers that stood in the way of a relationship with Him. 

Verses 13-34 document three specific conversations Jesus had with the religious leaders, each of which was an attempt to catch Him speaking out against God or the ruling authorities in a way that would give them grounds to arrest or even kill Him. They asked Jesus questions about paying taxes, the resurrection of the dead, and the greatest commandment. Jesus answered each question in a way that displayed His superior understanding of God’s law and His divine authority to speak on these matters. 

The chapter ends with a warning against the hypocritical ways of these leaders and a contrasting illustration of a person who was faithfully and humbly committed to God. The religious leaders did everything, even the most important aspects of religious life, for their own honor and glory. Jesus warned that their judgment was imminent. The poor widow, however, humbly and sacrificially gave to God above her means. When we truly understand the sacrifice Jesus, the Son of God, made on our behalf, we can’t help but give all of ourselves to Him in gratitude and service.