MARK 12:01-12
PARABLE OF THE TENANTS
Text – Mark 12:1–12
1 He began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and left on a journey.
2 At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants to obtain from them some of the produce of the vineyard.
3 But they seized him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed.
4 Again he sent them another servant, and that one they beat over the head and treated shamefully.
5 He sent yet another, and that one they killed. So, too, many others; some they beat, others they killed.
6 He had one other to send, a beloved son. He sent him to them last of all, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’
7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’
8 So they seized him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.
9 What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come, put the tenants to death, and give the vineyard to others.
10 Have you not read this scripture passage: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
11 by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes’?”
12 They were seeking to arrest him, but they feared the crowd, for they realized that he had addressed the parable to them. So they left him and went away.
Introduction
In this powerful parable, Jesus exposes the corruption and unfaithfulness of Israel’s leaders through the imagery of a vineyard—a familiar symbol of God’s covenant people. The story mirrors salvation history: God, the owner of the vineyard, sends prophets to His people, only for them to be rejected and persecuted. Finally, He sends His beloved Son, whom they kill. This parable, told in the Temple shortly after the cleansing, is both a warning of divine judgment and a prophecy of Jesus’ own death. It also foreshadows the transfer of God’s kingdom to those who will bear its fruit—the Church founded upon Christ, the rejected cornerstone.
Historical and Jewish Context
The imagery of the vineyard comes from Isaiah 5:1–7, where God laments Israel’s unfaithfulness despite His care. The hedge, winepress, and tower represent God’s protection, blessings, and watchfulness over His people. The “tenants” symbolize the religious leaders entrusted with Israel’s spiritual care. The “servants” sent by the owner represent the prophets—many of whom were beaten, mocked, or killed for proclaiming God’s word (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:15–16). The “beloved son” unmistakably represents Jesus, echoing the voice of the Father at His baptism and Transfiguration (“This is my beloved Son”). By killing the heir, the tenants reject God’s authority and invite judgment. The quotation from Psalm 118:22–23—“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”—declares that God will exalt the rejected Son as the foundation of a new covenant community.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This parable reveals the tragedy of sin and the depth of divine mercy. God’s patience with the tenants shows His enduring love for humanity, yet His justice demands accountability. Theologically, the parable foreshadows the Passion of Christ—the Beloved Son sent into the world to redeem those who reject Him. The “vineyard given to others” signifies the inclusion of the Gentiles and the birth of the Church as the new people of God (CCC 755). The cornerstone imagery proclaims Christ as the foundation of salvation (Ephesians 2:20–22). His rejection and death become the means through which the world is reconciled to the Father. The Church must continually guard against becoming like the unfaithful tenants—enjoying God’s gifts but refusing His lordship.
Parallels in Scripture
Isaiah 5:1–7 – The Song of the Vineyard, source for Jesus’ parable.
Psalm 118:22–23 – “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
Hebrews 1:1–2 – God spoke through the prophets and finally through His Son.
Matthew 21:33–46 – Parallel account with similar imagery.
John 1:11 – “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”
Key Terms
Vineyard – Symbol of God’s people and His covenant care.
Tenants – The religious leaders entrusted with the stewardship of Israel.
Beloved Son – Jesus Christ, the heir and fulfillment of God’s promises.
Cornerstone – Christ as the foundation of the new covenant and the Church.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is often read in Lent and during the liturgical year as a call to repentance and fidelity. The parable reminds the faithful that the Church, as God’s vineyard, must produce the fruits of faith, love, and justice. In the Eucharist, the sacrifice of the Son is made present—the very act through which God transforms rejection into redemption. The “cornerstone” hymn is echoed in the Church’s worship, affirming that Christ, once rejected, now reigns as Lord of all.
Conclusion
The Parable of the Tenants is both a judgment and a promise. It reveals the consequences of rejecting God’s messengers and the incredible mercy of the Father who still sends His Son. Though humanity rejects Him, God makes the rejected one the cornerstone of salvation. The Kingdom of God belongs to those who welcome the Son and bear fruit through faith and obedience.
Reflection
Am I among those who welcome the Son into the vineyard of my heart, or do I resist His authority in areas of my life? God has entrusted me with many blessings—how do I use them to bear fruit for His Kingdom?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Beloved Son and the cornerstone of salvation. Forgive me for the times I have resisted Your will. Help me to bear the fruits of faith, love, and mercy in Your vineyard. May I always honor You as the true heir and Lord of my life. Amen.