Jesus is the truth (John 14:6) and He came into the world to testify to the truth (John 18:37). He declares: “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.  For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” John 3:19-20.  
Mark 12 is a chapter of exposing the leaders for the evil frauds they are. Threatened by Jesus’ popularity with the crowds, the religious leadership has it out for Jesus. They are bent on destroying Him (Mark 3:6; 10:33; 11:18).  But Jesus stays in the ring and faces off with His enemies, knowing that His Father’s purposes will prevail (Mark 10:45; John 10:17-18; Acts 2:22-24; 4:27-28).   

Move 1 – The parable of the tenants (Mark 12:1-12)

Israel was designed to be the chosen vehicle to bring the Messiah to the world, and now He is right in front of them and they are still hard hearted and resistant. Jesus uses parables to warn the religious leaders of the path they are on.
(Is.5:1-7; Matt 21:33-46; Psalm 118; Heb. 11:35-38)

How did the religious leaders (tenants) get to this place? What motivated the tenants to disregard the agreement with the owner?

What am I withholding from God that I know is rightfully His? And what’s the deal with the stone?

Counter move 2 – Test from the Sadducees (Mk 12:18-27)

The Sadducees only looked to the first 5 books of the Bible for their doctrine and they didn’t believe in resurrection. They bring this question hoping to make Jesus look foolish in front of the crowd. Is there a conviction that I have that I think is based on the Bible but really isn’t? How willing am I to be corrected in areas of wrong thinking?

Counter move 3 – Test from the Scribes (Mk 12:28-34)

The Scribes liked to debate the 613 precepts of the law and which was the greatest. (Deut 6:4-5, Lev 19:18, Matt 22:34-40) Jesus puts these two commands side by side to demonstrate that His Kingdom is not about laws but about relationships. What is the connection between my love for God and my love for others? Jesus described the scribe as “not far from the kingdom of God.” How would He describe me? What is keeping me from bowing my knee to Jesus right now?

The Finishing Move from Jesus (Mk 12:35-44)

Jesus asks a question the Scribes are unable to answer. He warns of following the unworthy character of the Scribes (Matt. 23). And he directs the disciple’s attention to the widow as the better example. Am I clear on the identity of the Messiah? Who am I allowing to influence me? Is their character worthy of that influence? What about the widow’s example inspires me?