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Mark 12:1-12 Psalm 118:22-23 Mark series Sanhedrin Sanhedrin Mark 12:1-12

The Parable of the Vineyard (Mark 12:1-12) is Jesus's most backhanded parable — told directly to the Sanhedrin, predicting they'll reject and kill God's Son, be destroyed, and be replaced. They know it's about them but can't use it in court.

Introduction and overview of Mark 12:1-12

Isaiah 5 Isaiah 5:1-7 typology typology temple cleansing

Jesus's parable directly taps into Isaiah 5's vineyard song — same elements (wall, vat, wine press, tower) — creating a typological parallel: Isaiah's time (prophets rejected → first temple destroyed) mirrors Jesus's time (Son rejected → second temple destroyed).

Isaiah 5 connection and temple destruction context

Jeremiah 7:25-26 leadership accountability Jeremiah 7:25-26 leadership accountability

A consistent OT pattern: it's the LEADERS of Israel who persecute God's messengers (Jezebel vs. Elijah, Saul vs. David, people of Ephraim vs. Gideon, King Jehoiakim vs. Jeremiah). The motive: wanting power, credit, and avoidance of suffering.

OT examples of leadership rejecting prophets and application to modern rejection of the gospel

Matthew 23:29-31 humility humility Matthew 23:29-31

We are great critics of the past but blind to our own sins — the Pharisees built tombs for prophets their fathers killed while plotting to crucify Christ. We must see ourselves with the same critical clarity we apply to history.

Jesus's rebuke of historical self-righteousness (Matthew 23:29-31) and personal application

John 5 Mark 12:1-12 John 5 deity of Christ Mark 12:1-12

In the parable, the son is sent "last of all" — not meaning no more messengers ever, but that the Son is the final opportunity before judgment falls on the leaders. Jesus is greater than every prophet: they are slaves; he is the beloved Son.

Analysis of the Son's unique status in the parable (Mark 12:6-8)

Mike Winger idea 2020-11-02

The death penalty is clearly supported by Scripture. Genesis 9:5-6 — given to ALL humanity (not just Israel) — establishes capital punishment for murder based on the image of God: "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed."

The foundational biblical case for the death penalty from Genesis 9

Genesis 9:5-6 image of God image of God capital punishment

Mike Winger idea 2019-11-06

Isaiah 53:4-5 is the crux: "he was pierced FOR our transgressions, crushed FOR our iniquities; the chastisement that brought us peace was UPON HIM." The word "chastisement" is ALWAYS affliction from God in the prophets. Isaiah 53:10 confirms: "it was the will of the LORD to crush him."

Detailed exegesis of Isaiah 53:4-5 and 53:10 establishing PSA

Isaiah 53:4-5 Isaiah 53:10 Michael Brown Isaiah 53:4-5 penal substitutionary atonement

Mike Winger idea 2021-01-18

Verses 5-13 are a list of NON-SIGNS: false messiahs, wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution — Jesus explicitly says "the end is not yet" and "these are merely the beginning of birth pangs." Do not use these to predict Christ's return.

Detailed exegesis of Mark 13:5-13 as warnings against false predictions

Mark 13:5-8 World Mission Society Church of God Mark 13:5-8 World Mission Society Church of God

Mike Winger idea 2021-05-14

Discerning false prophets by their "fruit" (Matthew 7:15-20) — fruit is defined IN the passage as whether their teaching leads people to do God's will vs. lawlessness. It's not about charismatic experiences or emotional reactions.

Q4: How to practically use Matthew 7:15-20 to discern people?

Acts 2 Matthew Matthew 7 Acts 2 Jesus prophecy

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

About the “5-Fold Ministry”: Have you heard of the "5-Fold Ministry" way of thinking about apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers exercising those gifts today? And if so, what are your thoughts about it?

Q&A question: About the “5-Fold Ministry”

prophecy pastoral ministry Apostles

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

About 1 Kings 13: In 1 Kings 13, what are we supposed to learn from this passage? It seems as though the prophet lied to the man of God, tricking him so that he wouldn’t stay the course. Why lead him into this trap?

Q&A question: About 1 Kings 13

Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

Explanation of Ezekiel 14 – Prophets: In Ezekiel 14:9 it says if a prophet is deceived, it’s the Lord who deceived him. Could you offer some explanation to this verse, as it seems out of character for God?

Q&A question: Explanation of Ezekiel 14 – Prophets

Ezekiel prophecy Ezekiel

Mike Winger idea 2021-05-07

Historical Evidence for God’s Judgments?: Is there any historical evidence for any of the prophets of the old testament or for any judgments God pronounced on people?

Q&A question: Historical Evidence for God’s Judgments?

Mike Winger idea 2021-10-01

How the Jewish Bible is Different: Why aren't there Bibles with the Hebrew order of the Old Testament? Some say the Hebrew order helps to show additional context and beauty of the Prophets and writings within Israel’s history. Any reason to stick to the English order? If either is fine, why aren’t there options?

Q&A question: How the Jewish Bible is Different

Mike Winger idea 2021-12-03

About Demons Confessing Jesus’ Identity: Why did demons always announce Jesus' true identity when they were in His presence? Wouldn't they rather lie and claim He was a false prophet or something to deceive others? (Ex: Luke 4: 33-34)

Q&A question: About Demons Confessing Jesus’ Identity

Jesus prophecy demons

Mike Winger idea 2022-02-11

About False Prophets: How should we interpret Deuteronomy 13:6-9? Part of chapter is often used on Mormons for Joseph Smith being a false prophet...but if rejecting a false prophet is required, would it follow that this is required, too? This chapter - all or nothing?

Q&A question: About False Prophets

Joseph Joseph Smith prophecy

Mike Winger idea 2022-07-22

About OT Prophet Credibility: Why were many of the prophets who wrote books included in the Old Testament if they didn't perform miracles and their prophecies didn't come true until the New Testament? What made them stand out from false prophets?

Q&A question: About OT Prophet Credibility

prophecy miracles

Mike Winger idea 2022-12-09

Witnessing to Muslims: How do you convince a Muslim that Jesus is more than just a prophet?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Muslims

Jesus prophecy Islam

Mike Winger idea 2023-03-03

Does Hebrews Support Cessationism?: Is Hebrews 1:1 a reasonable proof text for cessationism in relation to prophecy? It says God spoke to our ancestors through prophets, but "in these last days," He has spoken to us through Christ. Are we in the "last days" Paul refers to?

Q&A question: Does Hebrews Support Cessationism?

Hebrews 1 cessationism prophecy Hebrews 1

Mike Winger idea 2023-04-07

Was Abel a Prophet?: Does Luke 11: 50-51 mean that Abel was a prophet?

Q&A question: Was Abel a Prophet?

Mike Winger idea 2023-06-09

Lessons from a Peculiar Bible Story: What is the lesson for us from 1 Kings 13: 11-24 where the man of God is deceived by the old prophet, eats with him, and is killed by the lion?

Q&A question: Lessons from a Peculiar Bible Story

Mike Winger idea 2023-06-23

Cursing & Blessing in the OT: When prophets such as Elisha cursed or blessed people, was it God who put it in their minds to do that, or did they have a Spirit-given ability to do such things without having to consult Him?

Q&A question: Cursing & Blessing in the OT

prophecy Elisha

Mike Winger idea 2023-08-18

The Fruit of False Prophets: In Matthew 7: 15-20, what are the fruits of the false prophets? The teaching? The followers? The acts? Or something else?

Q&A question: The Fruit of False Prophets

Matthew Matthew 7 prophecy Matthew Matthew 7

Mike Winger idea 2023-09-29

Can A False Prophet Glorify God?: My parents sit under a pastor who claims to have a prophecy from God almost weekly. He preaches in Jesus’ name and glorifies God, but his prophecies are always totally wrong or incredibly vague. Can a man who glorifies God also prophesy falsely?

Q&A question: Can A False Prophet Glorify God?

Jesus prophecy pastoral ministry

Mike Winger idea 2023-12-29

Jesus Just an Ordinary Prophet?: Why did Jesus refer to Himself as a prophet in Luke 13: 33 and not the Son of God? Wouldn't that be putting Himself on the same level as regular prophets when He was in fact elevated?

Q&A question: Jesus Just an Ordinary Prophet?

Luke 13 Jesus prophecy Luke 13

Mike Winger idea 2024-04-12

Can Prophecies be given “On-Demand”?: A couple with a prophetic ministry came to my church and gave a word of knowledge to all who asked. I don’t see prophecy-on-demand in Scripture. Is this a proper use of the gift of prophecy?

Q&A question: Can Prophecies be given “On-Demand”?

Mike Winger idea 2024-04-26

John Rejects but Jesus Affirms?: How should we understand John's rejection of being Elijah and a prophet (John 1: 21), while Jesus affirmed it (Matthew 11: 14)?

Q&A question: John Rejects but Jesus Affirms?

John 1 Matthew Jesus Elijah prophecy

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-05

Can we still Glean from Reckless Charismatism?: I learned that Bethel's prophecy teachings and those of Storms, Wimber, Deere, Randolph, etc. trace back to scandalous Kansas City prophets. Should all be ignored, or can the chaff be separated?

Q&A question: Can we still Glean from Reckless Charismatism?

prophecy Bethel Church

Mike Winger idea 2024-07-19

Does Hebrews 1 Prove Cessationism?: Is Hebrews 1:1 supportive of the idea that there are no prophets since the 1st century as God only speaks from Jesus Christ?

Q&A question: Does Hebrews 1 Prove Cessationism?

Hebrews 1 Jesus Christ Jesus cessationism

Mike Winger idea 2024-10-25

If Trump Wins, Were the Prophets Right?: If Donald Trump gets elected this year, does that somehow validate any of the false prophets from 4 years ago who prophesied that he would have a second term?

Q&A question: If Trump Wins, Were the Prophets Right?

prophecy Donald Trump

Mike Winger idea 2025-05-09

Prophets Today?: Should the Church appoint/recognize official prophets, or is this something similar to apostles (only the original 12 + Paul)? See 1 Corinthians 12: 28, Ephesians 4: 11. Is it an office, a gift, or some mixture of the two?

Q&A question: Prophets Today?

1 Corinthians 12 Ephesians 4 prophecy Apostles 1 Corinthians 12

Mike Winger idea 2025-09-12

Paul & The Cretans: What point was Paul making in Titus 1: 12 when he quoted a "prophet" who said “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons”?

Q&A question: Paul & The Cretans

Titus Titus 1 Titus Titus 1 prophecy

Rapture Craze?: Can you address “Brother Joshua” and the current rapture craze?

Q&A question: Rapture Craze?

rapture

Galatians 2 Romans 6 Galatians 2 atonement Romans 6

PSA + Crucified WITH Christ?: How does the doctrine of Penal Substitutionary Atonement harmonize with us being “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2: 20, Romans 6:5-6)? The substitution element seems to be missing, and wrath seems confusing if we are to affirm crucifixion with Christ.

Q&A question: PSA + Crucified WITH Christ?

Pre-Wired to Sin?: Why are Adam and Eve guilty when the brains God gave them are what guided them to make their decision to sin? They processed the situation based on the way God had pre-wired them.

Q&A question: Pre-Wired to Sin?

Adam and Eve

Eschatology in The Psalms?: Is it valid to interpret Psalms 42-49 as talking about the End Times (Tribulation in 42-44, Lamb’s wedding in 45, God’s reign/judgment and New Jerusalem with a river in 46-49)?

Q&A question: Eschatology in The Psalms?

eschatology tribulation

Obedience Leading to Hardship?: My walk with Christ feels harder the more I obey. I lost family, friends, and even my girlfriend. Sometimes I wonder if this is even worth it, yet I still long to stay faithful. Any advice?

Q&A question: Obedience Leading to Hardship?

Galatians 1 salvation baptism Galatians 1

Baptismal Regeneration: False Gospel?: Would you consider the teaching that baptism is necessary for salvation to be a "different gospel” (Galatians 1:6)? If not, how would you distinguish it from the Circumcision Party's false teachings?

Q&A question: Baptismal Regeneration: False Gospel?

Malachi 4: About Jesus?: Is Malachi 4:2 talking about Jesus? Some translations like NKJV vs. NASB seem to reference it differently.

Q&A question: Malachi 4: About Jesus?

Malachi Jesus Malachi

Loving God Above Family: My husband is an unbeliever. He recently told me he can't be a believer because he idolizes me and our kids and couldn't love God more than us. Beyond praying, how can I address this biblically?

Q&A question: Loving God Above Family

marriage

Church Membership but Rarely Attending?: I’m a youth pastor at my church, and several families at my church consider themselves members but are only present a few times per year due to weekend activities. Should we address this strongly?

Q&A question: Church Membership but Rarely Attending?

pastoral ministry

Trusting God More in Prayer: I fully believe God never fails and His decisions are always right and good. But it's still hard not to feel like He's "let me down" when I pray SO hard for something and it doesn't happen. It feels like He's absent and it (ashamedly) makes me question the parts in Scripture where He invites us to ask and SAYS He'll act.

Q&A question: Trusting God More in Prayer

prayer