Jesus has finally arrived in Jerusalem, which means we are entering the last week of his life here on earth. These passages, then, are full of urgency, emotion, lessons, and warnings!
Look at the stories in 11:27-33, 12:13-17, and 12:18-27. How is each group represented in these stories attempting to trap Jesus? In each, notice how Jesus turns their trap into a lesson/warning. What is the lesson/warning in each?
Now look at the parable in Mark 12:1-12. What do all the parts of this parable represent? Vineyard owner, vineyard, tenants, servants, son? (Read Isaiah 5:1-7 for more context.) What does this parable reveal? Why would it be offensive to those listening? In what ways does this parable enlighten the stories that come before and after it?