Message: Mark 12:1–12 (NKJV) — Jesus tells a parable that exposes the leaders’ rejection of God’s trust and foretells how they will treat the Son. The vineyard was planted, protected, and provided for—yet the tenants beat the servants and killed the heir. What will we do with Jesus: reject Him like the builders or build our lives on Him as the Chief Cornerstone (Psalm 118:22–23)?

Key Movements

Parables that reveal hearts (Mark 12:1; cf. Mark 4:10–12) — simple stories with spiritual truth that invite the humble and expose the hard-hearted.

Israel’s repeated rejection of God’s messengers — Jer 7:25–26; Isa 30:9–10; 2 Chr 24:20–21; Jer 20:1–2; 37:15.

Irrational rebellion — “This is the heir… let us kill him” (Mark 12:7). Sin darkens the mind (Rom 1:21–22).

Judgment & transfer — The owner destroys the tenants and “gives the vineyard to others” (Mark 12:9).

Cornerstone — “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” (Psalm 118:22–23; quoted in Mark 12:10–11).

Call to fruit — God isn’t after leaves; He desires fruit that remains (John 15:1–8).

Application

Believe & be saved (Mark 1:15; John 3:16).

Abide & bear fruit (John 15:5,8 NKJV).

Build on Christ—not appearances—because He alone is the cornerstone (1 Cor 3:11).

Scripture (NKJV)

Mark 12:1–12; Psalm 118:22–23; Jeremiah 7:25–26; Isaiah 30:9–10; 2 Chronicles 24:20–21; Jeremiah 20:1–2; 37:15; Romans 1:21–22; John 15:1–8.