12:1 And {1} he began to speak unto them by {a} parables. A [certain] man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about [it], and digged [a place for] the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
(1) The calling of God is unbounded, without exception, in regard to place, person, or time.
(a) This word parable, which the evangelists use, not only signifies a comparing of things together, but also speeches and allegories with hidden meaning.
12:1 A Day of Controversy
SUMMARY OF MARK 12:
The Vineyard and the Wicked Husbandmen. Prophecy of the Calling of the Gentiles. The Herodians and Pharisees. Tribute to Caesar. The Sadducees and the Resurrection. Which Is the Greatest Commandment?. The Son of David, David's Lord. Beware of the Scribes. The Widow's Mite.
He began to speak unto them ny parables. A series of parables, given more fully by Matthew, outlining the sins and fate of the stubborn Jewish nation.
A [certain] man planted a vineyard. For notes on this parable, see Mt 21:33-46. Compare Lu 20:9-19.
12:1 Mt 21:43; Lu 20:9.
12:1-12 Christ showed in parables, that he would lay aside the Jewish church. It is sad to think what base usage God's faithful ministers have met with in all ages, from those who have enjoyed the privileges of the church, but have not brought forth fruit answerable. God at length sent his Son, his Well-beloved; and it might be expected that he whom their Master loved, they also should respect and love; but instead of honouring him because he was the Son and Heir, they therefore hated him. But the exaltation of Christ was the Lord's doing; and it is his doing to exalt him in our hearts, and to set up his throne there; and if this be done, it cannot but be marvellous in our eyes. The Scriptures, and faithful preachers, and the coming of Christ in the flesh, call on us to render due praise to God in our lives. Let sinners beware of a proud, carnal spirit; if they revile or despise the preachers of Christ, they would have done so their Master, had they lived when he was upon earth.
