Mark 12:11

This was the Lords doing, and it is maruellous in our eies. Mark 12:11 (KJV)

Context: Mark 12:11 is part of a parable known as the “Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen” or “Parable of the Tenants.” Jesus tells this parable in response to the chief priests, scribes, and elders who challenged His authority. It is important to read the entire parable in Mark 12:1‑12 to understand the full context.

Understanding the Parable:

In the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen, Jesus speaks of a landowner who planted a vineyard, leased it to tenants, and went away. When the time came for the landowner to receive his share of the fruit, he sent his servants to collect it. The tenants mistreated and killed the servants. The landowner then sent his beloved son, thinking that the tenants would respect him; instead, they killed the son as well.

The Meaning of Mark 12:11:

In verse 11, Jesus concludes the parable with the statement, “This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.” (The wording also appears as “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.”) This declaration emphasizes that the events in the parable were orchestrated by God and evoke a sense of awe and wonder. The verse also records the tenants’ hostile words, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours,” highlighting their rejection of God’s messenger.

a) Divine Authority:

By saying, “This was the Lord’s doing,” Jesus highlights God’s sovereign authority. The parable illustrates the historical relationship between God and the Jewish people, especially the leaders who rejected His messengers, the prophets, and ultimately His Son, Jesus Christ.

b) Marvelous in Our Eyes and Moral Warning:

Jesus invites His listeners to recognize the divine intervention and work of God in this parable. The outcome, despite the wickedness of the tenants, showcases the wisdom and justice of God and serves as a warning about the seriousness of rejecting divine invitation and the inevitable judgment that follows.

Application – Recognition of God’s Work:

Mark 12:11 reminds us to acknowledge and appreciate the Lord’s involvement in human affairs. Even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, we can trust that God is in control, working out His purposes.

Application – Awe and Worship:

When we recognize the marvelous work of God, it should inspire us to worship Him. The gravity of rejecting God’s messengers should lead to humility, reverence, and repentance before His authority.

Application – Jesus as the Beloved Son:

The landowner’s sending of His beloved son represents Jesus Himself. This points to the sacrificial nature of Christ’s mission, highlights God’s love for humanity, and underscores the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

In summary, Mark 12:11 conveys both the divine authority and intervention of God and the serious warning against rejecting His messenger within the Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. It calls us to recognize and appreciate God’s marvelous work, respond in awe and worship, and acknowledge Jesus as the beloved Son sent to redeem humanity.