Mark 12

Chapter 12 is one of teachings. First a parable (short story with a big point, usually an unexpected one that drives home the point.) The tenants' story seems to point out the frustration and then anger God has when he is continually disrespected. Notice (v 12) that the people figure it's about them and, instead of repenting, they want to kill Jesus. Now that's hard-hearted! Jesus even quotes scripture.

 

Pharisees and Herodians mean "religious and secular leaders." They both want to get Jesus to get his to discredit himself and open himself up to legal problems. They try to trip him with a tax question where he seems to have to choose between God and the Emperor. Either choice, he's a looser with the other side. Jesus sees their hypocrisy and won't play their game. He simply says the Emperor should get what's due him and God should get what's due him. It doesn't say so but I am sure they left angry.

 

Sadducees are very traditional religious leaders, dogged adherents to tradition and privileged their class allows them. Resurrection is a new thought and one they don't believe, so they make a ridiculous question up trying to make Jesus look ridiculous. Once again, Jesus does not answer and turns the questions back on to the questioners. They look ridiculous instead.

 

Finally, they try one more time. This time a Pharisee asks (they don't like Sadducees, so they probably like the last one looking silly.) The Pharisee asks a real, heart-felt question. What's the greatest law? Jesus combines two Old Testament passages about loving God and loving others. The man agrees. This warms Jesus' heart after all the conflict he has seen. Jesus encourages him in his spiritual quests.

 

Jesus now tells folks that the religious leaders are not to be trusted, especially after asking all the questions that have nor real spiritual value while avoiding real spiritual questions that might lead to enlightenment and growth. Even today, people like to argue and nit-pick but not really apply themselves and learn something new from God.  How about you? 

 Finally, Jesus ends with a very practical teaching after seeing a woman give two cents to the offering. She, he says, gave her all to God, while others make a big show of giving more but don't really feel it. They are not the generous ones. God wants equal sacrifices and not equal gifts. People usually only judge the size of the gift. That's contrary to God. Are your gifts sacrificial like the woman's?