Parables are stories created to share a truth.
The parable in Mark 12:1-12 is the story of a landowner who planted a vineyard,
built a watchtower and wall for protection,
provided a pit for the winepress, then left it all in the care of tenants.
With ownership came some privileges or rights, but all all were to benefit.
However, these tenants,
when asked to relinquish what was rightfully claimed by the landowner, refused.
Those who were sent as representatives of the landowner were beaten or killed.
Even the landowner's son was beaten and killed.
So the landowner returns, kills the tenants,
and gives the vineyard to another.

When Jesus finished telling this parable,
those who knew themselves to be the “tenants” were angry
and scheming His arrest,
but, fearful of the growing crowd of Jesus followers, they retreated.

God, show us in what ways we've “assumed ownership”
of that which was but entrusted to our care.
Have we, when asked to relinquish of our “holdings” by the Landowner,
refused and gotten angry?

Twila Charles Leichty - L8