FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
SYNOPTIC GOSPEL PARALLELS
A. Representatives of the Sanhedrin ask questions (cf. Mar_11:27 to Mar_12:12) and Jesus responds by a parable (Mar_12:1-12). This is paralleled in Mat_21:33-46 and Luk_20:1-19.
B. The Pharisees and the Herodians ask about paying taxes to Caesar (Mar_12:13-17), which is paralleled in Mat_22:15-22 and Luk_20:20-26.
C. The Sadducees ask a question about the resurrection (Mar_12:18-27), which is paralleled in Mat_22:23-33 and Luk_20:27-40.
D. A scribe asks about the greatest commandment (Mar_12:28-34), which is paralleled in Mat_22:34-40.
E. Jesus asks the Jewish leadership a question about the Messiah's relationship to David (Mar_12:35-37), which is paralleled in Mat_22:41-46 and Luk_20:41-44.
F. Jesus denounces the scribes (Mar_12:38-40) and it is paralleled in Mat_23:1-39 and Luk_20:45-47.
G. The widow's sacrificial offering (Mar_12:41-44) is paralleled in Luk_21:1-4.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. List what each of the following items stood for in the parable (Mar_12:1-12)
a. Owner of the Vineyard_____________________________________________________________
b. Vineyard________________________________________________________________________
c. Tenants_________________________________________________________________________
d. Slaves__________________________________________________________________________
e. Son____________________________________________________________________________
2. Why is the partial quote of Psalms 118 so appropriate here (i.e., Mar_12:10)?
3. What is the significance of the parable (i.e., Mar_12:1-12) to the Jewish nation (cf. Mat_21:43-44)? Also examine Romans 9-11 for a balancing statement.
4. Summarize the central truths of Christ's statements.
a. In regard to civil authorities (Mar_12:13-17)
b. In regard to resurrections (Mar_12:18-27)
c. In regard to the law (Mar_12:28-34)
d. In regard to the title "Son of David" (Mar_12:35-40)
e. In regard to giving and commitment (Mar_12:41-44)
5. Are there degrees of punishment (cf. Mar_12:40)?