Mark 12  The parable of the vineyard gives such a clear picture of God's dealings with Israel.  He established the nation.. "planted a vineyard, and put a wall around it, and dug a vat under the wine press and built a tower.. ".  He brought the people of Israel into the land.. "and rented it out to vine-growers".  He anticipated fruit!  " And at harvest time he sent a slave to the vine-growers, in order to receive some of the produce..". 

But, Israel treated the "slaves".. the prophets.. terribly.  They beat, wounded, and killed God's servants just like the vine-growers did the slaves. 

"He had one more to send, a beloved son, he sent him last of all to them saying, 'They will respect my son.'"   But, they did not.  The vine-growers killed the heir and claimed the land.  The Israelites killed Jesus and claimed the kingdom..  Just like the land-owner, God would come and destroy the one who killed His son.. The nation of Israel was brought to ruin.. the temple destroyed.. the people scattered.  

But, O the grace of God.. He kept a Branch...

The rest of this chapter deals with the various questions that the religious elite tried to trap Jesus with:

The Pharisees and Herodians questioned Him about paying taxes.. and He stunned them by His answer, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." 

The Sadducees questioned Him about the resurrection.. and Jesus set them straight  "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures, or the power of God?"

The scribe questioned Him about the greatest commandment and Jesus gave him the exact verses that he believed.. "Hear O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And with all your strength. The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

The final question was the one Jesus asked of His opponents... "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?"   If David called Him "Lord".. how is He his son?   Only Jesus could fit that description.. the Son of man.. who is also the Son of God. 

Father in heaven, we have so much more to learn about You and the wisdom of Your Word.. the greatness of our Lord... the life of obedience and love. Thank You for sending Your Son.. for not leaving us hopeless and imprisoned in darkness and sin. Spirit of God, give us understanding that we might grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We ask this in His marvelous name. Amen.