November 18-22

"And he began to speak to them in parables. 'A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully.'" – Mark 12:1-5 (ESV)

When God’s Patience Runs Out
A few years ago, a guy in the UK made headlines for what he claimed was the "biggest vegetable garden in town." He invited neighbors to come and pick their fill. But his veggies? They were all either shriveled or mysteriously missing. Turns out, squirrels were having their own feast in his garden, stripping away every cucumber, tomato, and carrot. Every time he’d try to scare them off, they’d just scamper away and come back later for dessert. Despite his best efforts, he finally accepted defeat. “I figured I’d either learn squirrel talk or invest in a vegetable grocery store,” he joked to the BBC. Sometimes, even the best-laid plans require patience—or a plan B!

In Mark 12:1-5, Jesus tells a story about a landowner who provided everything his tenants needed to be successful. He expected a harvest of good fruit in return, but the tenants chose selfishness, rejecting each servant the owner sent. God shows patience through His care and expectation that we bear fruit, just as He did with Israel. Like the gardener who found his plans uprooted by unexpected “guests,” God also provides us with everything we need to bear fruit, but He expects our faithfulness in return. Are we letting “squirrels”—distractions, temptations—rob us of the fruit God intends us to produce?

Reflection Questions:
1. What “squirrels” might be distracting you from bearing fruit in your life?
2. How can you show gratitude for God’s patience and provision today?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, thank You for providing everything I need to bear fruit. Help me to focus on You and be faithful in the work You’ve given me. Amen.

"He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally, he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’" – Mark 12:6 (ESV)

God’s Goodness
In 1993, a pet parrot named Henry went viral in the small town of Cardiff, Wales, for one reason: he wouldn’t stop copying his owner’s attempts at training. Every time the owner said, “Speak nicely, Henry!” Henry would squawk back, “Speak nicely, Henry!” When the owner would sternly say, “You’re not listening!” Henry mimicked, “You’re not listening!” It got so bad, that people in town would walk by just to see Henry squawking his “advice” to his owner. Some people are born with patience; others, well, not so much. Henry’s owner finally gave up and accepted that Henry would only copy, and never listen (Daily Mail).

In Mark 12:6, after sending several servants to the tenants, the landowner decided to send his beloved son, hoping they’d respect him. This represents God’s goodness in sending His Son to us, despite repeated rejections. Much like Henry’s owner, God keeps sending messages and reminders our way, giving us opportunities to listen and respond. He doesn’t just give us one chance but offers grace upon grace. Are we truly listening, or are we, like Henry, only “copying” back the response without real heart change?

Reflection Questions:
1. What are some ways God has been trying to get your attention recently?
2. How can you respond genuinely to His grace today?

Suggested Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your patience and grace in reaching out to me. Help me to listen to You with a sincere heart and respond to Your call. Amen.

"But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard." – Mark 12:7-8 (ESV)

God’s Grace
In the 1980s, a man in California tried to save money by sneaking his own popcorn into the movies. One day, after perfecting his “snack sneak” routine, he wore a long coat with snacks hidden everywhere. Popcorn in one pocket, candy in another, and a soda tucked into his waistband. He got past the ticket counter but, as he sat down, the soda can burst! His coat was soaked, and popcorn started spilling out everywhere. Eventually, he just accepted defeat and bought snacks at the counter, earning a laugh and a friendly warning from the employees. Turns out, his “plan” didn’t really save him much in the end (Los Angeles Times).

In Mark 12 verses 7-8, the tenants foolishly thought killing the heir would grant them ownership of the vineyard. But their “plan” led to ruin instead. The heir represents Jesus, whom God sent as a final expression of His love and grace, even though He would face rejection. Sometimes, we also attempt to “cut corners” with God, trying to get what we want while ignoring His clear direction. Jesus’ sacrifice was given freely and with love, yet it calls for a response of respect and obedience.

Reflection Questions:
1. Are there ways you’ve tried to “cut corners” with God?
2. How can you honor Jesus’ sacrifice by responding fully to His call?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for the sacrifice You made for me. Help me to recognize the cost of Your love and live in a way that honors You. Amen.

"What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this Scripture: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?" – Mark 12:9-10 (ESV)

God’s Verdict
Years ago, a man invented a "smokeproof" frying pan that was supposed to be the ultimate solution to kitchen mishaps. He invited a bunch of reporters over to demonstrate, sure it would be his big break. He fired up the stove, threw in some bacon, and started talking about his “genius invention.” The problem? Within minutes, smoke started billowing out of the pan, setting off the alarm! He ended up waving a dish towel around, red-faced, trying to make light of his “smokeless” pan (source: Popular Mechanics).

In Mark 12:9-10, Jesus warns of the consequence of rejection. After the tenants killed his son, the landowner decided to take the vineyard away from them. God’s verdict here serves as a reminder that His patience has limits. Ignoring His repeated calls eventually leads to consequences. Like the failed frying pan inventor, ignoring signs and warnings doesn’t end well. God lovingly provides us with chances to repent and turn back to Him. But if we continue to reject His call, we risk losing the blessings He has in store for us.

Reflection Questions:
1. Are there areas in your life where God’s been inviting you to make a change?
2. How can you turn to Him in obedience today?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your patience with me. Help me to heed Your warnings and turn toward You. Give me the courage to make the changes You’re calling me to. Amen.

"This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away." – Mark 12:11-12 (ESV)

God’s Vengeance
There’s an old story about a gardener who hired a “master landscaper” to help with his yard. This landscaper insisted that he had the perfect plan. So he went to work planting exotic plants and flowers that were supposed to bloom brilliantly. But come springtime, not a single plant survived. It turned out he’d ignored the soil quality and climate, planting whatever he thought looked nice rather than what would thrive. After all that effort, the gardener ended up replanting his yard himself, using local flowers that grew in abundance (Reader’s Digest).

In the parable’s conclusion, Jesus reminds His listeners that the tenants were entrusted with the vineyard but failed to steward it well. God gives us opportunities, resources, and His guidance so we can thrive in His “vineyard.” But this calls for faithfulness, not self-interest. Like the gardener’s landscaper, we can’t just do things our way without regard for God’s wisdom. God wants us to steward our lives according to His purposes.

Reflection Questions:
1. How well are you stewarding the “vineyard” God has entrusted to you?
2. What adjustments can you make to ensure you’re living faithfully?

Suggested Prayer:
Father, thank You for the blessings and opportunities You have given me. Help me to be a faithful steward and make choices that honor You. Show me how to bear fruit in ways that please You. Amen.