The Uncomfortable Parable (Mark 12:1-12)

The parable of the vineyard is clear, especially coming on the heels of the temple cleansing. Jesus declares that God is done working through the Jewish religious system. What is perhaps most astounding here is the response of the religious professionals. They want to seize (and likely imprison or kill) Him for telling a story about them wanting to kill the Son of God!

The sad parallel is the way that this continues to be a problem for a lot of religious people, specifically Christians, today. Admittedly, the context is different. Today it is usually a cynical culture making sport of the inconsistencies and hypocrisies of Christians. However, the true follower of Jesus need not be offended by such commentaries. Indeed, we can often look to Jesus’ example and join in in condemning those religious attitudes. If we cry out in protest it just makes us look like we are a part of the problem; Pharisees. Perhaps we are.

There is no need to cover our offense by claiming we are defending the name of Christ. It is not the world that has besmirched it, but supposed followers misusing it and taking it in vain that have ruined the term “Christian.” We don’t want to throw our lot in with those types and become a part of a system the likes of which Jesus condemned.