Chapter Summary

Parable of householder demanding fruit from his vineyards. The tribute question. Jesus answers the Sadducees. The great commandments. The widow's mite.

Discussion Questions for Mark, Chapter 12

1. Who represents Jesus in the parable of the vineyard owner? Why is it important to know that the religious leaders would reject Jesus? How do you respond when people reject Jesus today?
2. How many different religious/political groups can you find in this passage? Why are they all conspiring to trap Jesus with their questions? How would you compare and contrast their treatment of Jesus with how our society's groups treats Christians today?
3. When Jesus commands them to "give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (HCSB), what does Jesus mean by this? Does this mean that some things are not God's? How do you determine in your own life what belongs to God and what doesn't?
4. How does this passage reflect the differing views on government? Understanding this passage, how would you view modern things like taxes? What surprises you about Jesus's submission to governmental authority, even from evil government officials?
5. What does it mean to love our neighbors as ourselves? What obstacles do you encounter in fulfilling this commandment? What does Jesus equate loving God wholeheartedly and loving our neighbors? How should that play out in your own life?
6. Why did the Sadducees ask Jesus about the afterlife, if they did not believe in the resurrection? How does this underscore their deception and corruption? What does this exchange teach us about our view of eternity?
7. What lessons can we learn about hypocrisy in this chapter? What relationship do our outward actions and the motivations of our heart have? In what ways can we prevent ourselves from being hypocritical like the religious leaders?
8. In what ways does the greed of the religious leaders in this passage mirror religious leaders in our own day? How does the desire for personal glory or accolades prevent us from truly doing the work of God? In what ways have you found yourself desiring the applause of men instead of the approval of God?
9. Why is the widow's tiny financial gift so significant? What does that say about our actions versus the motivation of our hearts? How does this reflect God's desire for our giving and financial stewardship? What does this teach you about sacrifice?
10. How does the widow demonstrate great faith? In what ways is God calling you to step out in faith without fear of what might come in the future?

Key Words/Phrase

Rejected Lord, vv. 6, 10, 13.

Characters

Jesus, Holy Spirit, Caesar, David, widow, disciples, Sadducees, Herodians, Pharisees, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.

Strong Verse(s)

10, 17, 30, 31.