Mark chapter 12 continues Jesus’ teachings and confrontations with the religious leaders in Jerusalem. He speaks in parables, answers challenges from various groups, and provides important teachings on love, faith, and devotion to God. The chapter ends with a striking contrast between the pride of the scribes and the humble faith of a poor widow.
Jesus begins by telling a parable about a vineyard owner who plants a vineyard, sets a hedge around it, digs a pit for a winepress, and builds a tower. He then leases it to tenant farmers and goes on a journey. When harvest time arrives, he sends a servant to collect his share of the fruit, but the tenants beat him and send him away empty-handed. The owner sends more servants, but the tenants mistreat and kill them. Finally, he sends his beloved son, thinking they will respect him. Instead, the tenants conspire to kill the son, hoping to seize his inheritance. Jesus then asks what the vineyard owner will do. He answers that the owner will come, destroy the tenants, and give the vineyard to others. He quotes Scripture: "The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of the corner." The religious leaders realize that Jesus is speaking against them and want to arrest him, but they fear the crowd, so they leave.
Later, some Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. They approach him with flattery and ask, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" If Jesus says yes, he risks alienating those who resent Roman rule; if he says no, he risks being accused of rebellion. Instead, he asks for a denarius and inquires whose image is on it. When they reply, "Caesar’s," he declares, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." His wisdom astonishes them, and they leave.
Next, the Sadducees, who deny the resurrection, question Jesus about marriage in the afterlife. They propose a hypothetical scenario in which a woman is married to seven brothers in succession after each one dies. They ask whose wife she will be in the resurrection. Jesus tells them they are mistaken because they do not understand Scripture or the power of God. He explains that in the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage but will be like angels. He then points to God’s declaration to Moses: "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Since God is not the God of the dead but of the living, Jesus affirms that the resurrection is real. The Sadducees are silenced.
A scribe, impressed by Jesus’ answers, asks him which commandment is the greatest. Jesus replies, "The first is, ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these." The scribe agrees, stating that loving God and neighbor is more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices. Jesus tells him, "You are not far from God’s Kingdom." After this, no one dares to question him further.
Jesus then challenges the religious leaders by asking how the Christ can be both the son of David and David’s Lord. He quotes Psalm 110:1, where David says, "The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.’" Jesus implies that the Messiah is greater than David, hinting at his divine nature.
Turning to the crowd, Jesus warns about the scribes who love public recognition, seek honor in the synagogues, and take advantage of widows while making long prayers. He declares that they will receive a greater condemnation.
Finally, Jesus sits near the temple treasury and observes people giving offerings. Many wealthy individuals give large amounts, but a poor widow puts in two small coins. Jesus calls his disciples and tells them that she has given more than anyone else because the rich gave from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all she had.
Mark chapter 12 presents a series of challenges and teachings that highlight Jesus' authority, wisdom, and understanding of true devotion. The parable of the vineyard warns of the judgment that awaits those who reject God’s messengers, including his Son. The question about taxes shows that Jesus acknowledges human authorities while reminding people of their greater duty to God. His response to the Sadducees affirms the reality of the resurrection and God's faithfulness to his people. His teaching on the greatest commandment emphasizes that love for God and others is the heart of the law. The widow’s offering serves as a powerful reminder that God values sincere devotion more than outward displays of wealth or status.
Throughout this chapter, Jesus confronts religious hypocrisy and calls for genuine faith. His interactions expose the motives of the religious leaders while demonstrating his divine authority. He challenges us to examine our own hearts: Are we giving God what belongs to him? Are we more concerned with appearances than with true devotion? Do we trust in God’s promises, even when they challenge our understanding? Jesus calls us to wholehearted love, faith, and humility before God.