May 26

<p>Mark 12-13 We are in the Christ Stream and reading from the New International Version this week. <span style= "font-size: 1rem;">7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Streams</span> <span style= "font-size: 1rem;">Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis</span></p> <blockquote> <div>Lord Jesus, just as you ARE the revelation of God, your words are revelation to us. You just simply tell us what we need to know.  As you told your disciples in John, "i call you friends", we are assured that there is no truer friend than you.  We are grateful.  Amen.</div> </blockquote> <p>12 - The parable of the vineyard, wherein the tenants who were entrusted to care for it, figures prominently since Matthew/Mark/Luke all include this parable. When the Son comes on behalf of the owner and they kill Him too, it's a "dead" giveaway that Jesus is talking about the leaders of Jerusalem who have been entrusted to be the ones to spiritually care for Israel and her people. For the Israeli Nation were the Light to the Gentiles. This "vineyard" figures in religious history to heal and refresh the nations. The leaders are in charge and they are derelict and they know it and this story hits them in the heart; "ka-zing!" and they don't like it.  If it was false, they wouldn't care, but since it's true, they want Him arrested. Notice that they don't arrest Him however because, like Saul 1000 years ago, they care about public opinion - and this is their chief concern.</p> <div>-Know that the question about paying taxes to Caesar is coming from people who detest Caesar. Again, it was another trick question.  They forget who they are fooling with, don't they? He throws it right back at them and they at least have the courtesy to be amazed with everyone else.  A subtle hint that reflects to today in a not so gentle manner is the clear insinuation that the government is not to be making dictates about religion, religious activity, or the religious convictions of people.</div> <div>-The "Marriage at the Resurrection" question serves a few