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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But the tenants said to one another, ‘Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. Mark 12:6-8

Read: Mark 12:6-9
Listen:
Mark 12

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The parable of the tenant farmers takes a shocking turn. After many servants are beaten or killed, the owner sends his son. It’s just as shocking to us today as it is to the original audience because it seems obvious what they will do. They will treat the son just like the servants, and that’s precisely what happens. With no respect for the owner’s son, the renters kill him and throw him out of the vineyard.

This parable illustrates the religious leaders’ attitudes AND describes what will happen to Jesus. Like the vineyard owner, God sends his son, Jesus. Very soon, the religious leaders will behave like the tenant farmers. Three days later, they take Jesus and drag him outside the city walls to kill him.

We can disrespect Jesus more than we think. For instance, we might not really recognize who he is or take the time to understand what he taught. We could claim to follow him but pick and choose which parts of his teaching apply to us. We might think our skills or planning make the difference in our lives instead of giving God his due credit. We can also try to make his words and teachings more palatable to ourselves or those around. These are all ways we disrespect and not listen to Jesus.

There are many ways that we can show respect to Jesus. The best place to start is by truly giving our lives to him and choosing to follow him. Maybe we have followed Jesus but need to repent of our sins or come back from wandering in big or small ways. Today is a great day to give our life to Jesus for the first time or to recommit our life to him.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Consider where you are with Jesus. If you have not given your life to him, pray something like this: “God, I know you sent your son to die for me and my sins. Please forgive me and help me to choose you. My life is yours.” If you are sensing that you might need to recommit your life to him, pray something like this: “God, I know I have wandered from you. Today I recommit my life to you. You are my Lord. Help me to follow you.” Email us at btw@adabible.org if you’d like to talk about this more.


2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

GALATIANS 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.