Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 29, 2023

Sour Grapes

Mark 12:1-12

1. Background

• penetrating parable in the context of escalating conflict with the religious establishment
• preceded by the questioning of the credentials of Jesus (11:27-33)

2. Jesus Highlights the Resources of God 1

• judgment parable about wicked vineyard keepers
• every provision for maximum fruitfulness
• imagery of Isaiah 5

3. Jesus Highlights the Revelation of God 2-8

• escalating violence leading to murder in the vineyard
• revelation through His servants and their treatment
• revelation through His Son and His treatment

4. Jesus Highlights the Goodness and Severity of God 9

• warning of Rom. 11:22
• the problem of receiving resources and rejecting revelation

5. Jesus Uses Scripture to Highlight His Certain Triumph 10-12

• rejected stone has become the chief corner stone (Psa. 118:22-23)
• the last question and the only answer
• pathetic picture of misplaced fear

6. So What?

• Because receiving God’s resources and rejecting His revelation results in inevitable judgment, rely completely on Jesus.
• Recognize the distinct contrast between sour grapes and saving grace.
• “You put your finger in the eye of God when you slight His Son.” (Spurgeon)
• “Jesus is the corner stone, came for sinners to atone; though rejected by His own, He became the corner stone. When I am by trial oppressed, on the stone I am at rest; when the seeds of truth are sown, He remains the corner stone…Till the breaking of the dawn, till all footsteps cease to roam; ever let the truth be known, Jesus is the corner stone.” (L. Goss, “Cornerstone”)