Bible Commentaries
Mark 12

Verse 1

Mark 12:1

Parables ... These parables arise from the questions in Mark 11:27-28. The vineyard is Israel; the hedge provided protection from wild animals; the place was the pit for the wine press; and the tower was for the watchman who was to guard the crop.

Verse 2

Mark 12:2

servant ... Israel had been sent many prophets from God. They looked for fruits of repentance - Luke 3:8; such as John the Baptist.

Verse 7

Mark 12:7

The parable become prophetic.

Verse 9

Mark 12:9

give to others ... After AD 70 we see an extensive appeal to Gentiles, Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 10 Cornelius was the first. ... Matthew 8:11

Verse 10

Mark 12:10

stone ... Jesus changes the figurate from a vineyard to the cornerstone of a building, Psalms 118:22

Verse 12

Mark 12:12

feared the people ... The leaders were aware of what the people thought of Jesus, Mark 11:9-10;

Verse 17

Mark 12:17

The Christian’s Duty to His Nation

1 Timothy 2:1-2 Pray for the king, and all in authority.

Romans 13:1 ff. vs. 1-7 Be in subjection to government.

Acts 4:19 More important to listen to God

Acts 5:29 We ought to obey God rather than men.

Mark 12:17 To render to Caesar (pay our taxes)

Matthew 22:21 -- Render to Caesar His Due

Luke 20:25

Romans 13:1 Remember that governments are appointed by God

John 19:11 God grants governments their power

Romans 13:2 Not to be a rebel to overthrow

Romans 13:3 Governments must support good

Romans 13:4 Governments are God’s servants

They are God’s ministers of vengance

Romans 14:5 We are to be in subjection for two reasons.

Romans 13:6 We are to pay our taxes

Romans 13:7 Render them their due, respect and honor

The Nation’s Responsibility

Romans 13:3 Support good, punish the evil

Romans 13:4 Execute justice upon the evil

What God Says About Nations

Proverbs 14:34 Nations obliged to do right.

2 Chronicles 7:14 Nations to turn from wicked ways

Verse 28

Mark 12:28

scribe ... teacher of the law.

them ... Sadducees (v. 18)

reasoning ... debating,questing

answered well ... tested Jesus’ understanding of the Law

first ... not in order, but rank of importance

The Pharisees would have considered the laws of sacrifice and burnt offerings as the most important, Matthew 12:33

Verse 29

Mark 12:29

first of all ... the most important, Deut 6.4-5, the "shema"

If one loved this way, everything else is going to naturally be okay.

Verse 31

Mark 12:31

love neighbour ... cf. Leviticus 19:18

Verse 32

Mark 12:32

scribe ... cf. Mark 12:28; he is un-named, but representative of many. One wonders if he was among the many people on Pentecost who became disciples.

Master ... didaskalais, διδάσκαλε, common word for teacher. This man recognized that Jesus had spoken well.

Verse 33

Mark 12:33

offerings and sacrifices ... Hosea 6:6

Verse 34

Mark 12:34

discreetly ... Jesus saw where the man’s heart was. The man recognized great truth.

discreetly ... wisely.

not far from ...

1. Glad that it was Jesus who said these words.

See the link below: "Not Far From the Kingdom"

See

Verse 38

Mark 12:38

go in long clothing ... flowing robes (12:38). Jesus attacks the human fondness to seek honor, to parade one’s caste, and to call attention to one’s piety. The long robes refer to the distinctive white linen robes that set them apart from others. They also expect others to show them the greatest respect and greet them as “Rabbi,” “Father,” “Master” (Matt. 23:7–9), or “Good teacher” (Mark 10:17) and to offer them the seats of honor.

Arnold, C. E. (2002). Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke (Vol. 1, p. 276). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.