12:1
There now follows quite a section of teaching. It is worthwhile noting that all this is happening between the clearing of the temple and the crucifixion, and it is quite amazing that Jesus did all this under the circumstances. The first teaching is a parable, the parable of the tenants. Israel is often likened to a vineyard in the Old Testament, the fullest example of this is Is 5, and the opening of this parable is very reminiscent of Is 5:1,2. The vineyard was “rented to the tenants”. This reminds the religious leaders of their true position. They thought they owned the Jewish religion, just as many leaders in denominations seem to think that they own the church. Both were badly mistaken.
12:2
The vineyard still belonged to the owner, the church belongs to Christ. So when it was time to collect some fruit, the owner sent a servant, the word is actually “bondservant” or “slave”. The problem with the word “slave” is that it conjures up a far too severe picture, “servant” is perhaps too gentle a picture.
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