A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 12:1-8)

“…he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants…Then he sent another servant to them…He sent still another…He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.” (See Mark 12:1-8 for full text)

In Mark 12:1–8, Jesus highlighted the extreme mercy and long-suffering spirit of a landlord spurned by the tenants in his vineyard. Having entrusted his business interests to a group of managers, he expected a fair return. However, each time he sent one of his servings to collect some of the harvest, they were met with abuse, violence, and death. He finally sent his son, thinking they would respect him. The tenants, however, saw this as their chance to finally procure the landlord’s inheritance and therefore killed the son. The parable was a reflection of what the religious leaders were doing to Jesus. God had entrusted the people of Israel to them, sent many prophets to warn them, and finally dispatched his own son to bring them to their senses. Anyone listening to this story would have been shocked at why the landlord hadn’t come earlier to deal with his tenants. God revealed ultimate mercy and forbearance through his Son. 

KEY QUESTIONS: What tests my patience more than anything else? How might I be long-suffering in that situation if it occurs again? Why should I be merciful and long-suffering to those I lead?