Mark 12:6 – “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, the parable reaches its climax. After sending multiple servants who were beaten and killed by the tenants, the landowner finally sends his son, believing that the tenants will recognize and respect him. The son represents the landowner’s authority in a unique way—he is not just another servant but the heir. Sending his son shows both the landowner’s ultimate trust and his hope that even the rebellious tenants will honor this final, personal appeal.
This verse carries deep symbolism. The landowner (representing God) sends his “beloved son,” which clearly points to Jesus Christ. While the landowner expects the tenants to respect his son, the story tragically reveals that they do not. The sending of the son is an act of love, but it also serves as a final opportunity for the tenants to repent and do what is right.
Historical Context
In Jewish society, a son—especially the firstborn—had significant authority as the heir of the family’s estate. By sending his son, the landowner was essentially making his final and most serious attempt to collect what was owed to him. The son carried the authority of the father, so rejecting him was equivalent to rejecting the father directly.
In the context of Israel’s history, this verse reflects the culmination of God’s relationship with His people. For generations, God had sent prophets to call the nation to repentance, but they were often ignored, mistreated, or killed. Now, God was sending His Son as His ultimate messenger and representative, bringing an offer of salvation.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals profound theological truths about God’s character and His plan for salvation:
- Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. Unlike the prophets, who were messengers, Jesus is the Son of God, the final and full revelation of God’s love, grace, and truth (Hebrews 1:1-2).
- God’s patience and mercy are extraordinary. Even after repeated rejection, God sends His Son, offering one last chance for repentance.
- Rejecting Jesus is rejecting God. To dishonor the son is to dishonor the father. This truth is emphasized throughout the New Testament (John 5:23). Rejecting Jesus has eternal consequences.
Literary Analysis
The progression of the parable is crucial. The escalation from sending servants to sending the beloved son mirrors the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. The son is described as “the one he loved,” which parallels the description of Jesus at His baptism and transfiguration, when God says, “This is my Son, whom I love” (Mark 1:11, Mark 9:7). The use of this language emphasizes the special status of the son—he is not just another messenger, but the heir who embodies the landowner’s authority and heart.
The phrase “They will respect my son” carries a tone of tragic irony. The landowner’s hope reflects God’s desire for humanity to recognize and honor His Son, but the rest of the parable reveals that the tenants instead choose violence and rejection.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- Hebrews 1:1-2 – “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.”
- John 1:11 – “He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.”
- Matthew 21:37-39 – The parallel version of this parable, where the son is also rejected and killed.
- John 5:22-23 – Jesus states that honoring the Son is the same as honoring the Father.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a powerful reminder of the significance of Jesus Christ. God’s decision to send His Son was the ultimate act of love and grace, offering humanity one final chance to respond to Him. As Christians, we are called to recognize the authority and uniqueness of Jesus as the Son of God.
It also challenges us to reflect on our response to Jesus. Are we giving Him the honor and obedience He deserves, or are we rejecting His rightful place in our lives? Just as the tenants faced consequences for rejecting the son, we are warned that rejecting Jesus leads to spiritual separation from God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse beautifully illustrates God’s love. Despite humanity’s repeated rebellion and rejection, God sent His Son to reach us. The decision to send His beloved Son demonstrates the depth of God’s commitment to saving us. God wasn’t satisfied with simply sending prophets—He sent His very best, His own Son, to deliver the message of salvation.
God’s love is patient and persistent, but it is also purposeful. His love is not passive—it calls for a response. While God longs for everyone to recognize and respect His Son, He does not force that response. This verse reminds us that God’s love includes both mercy and justice.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The connection to Jesus is central to this verse. The “beloved son” is a direct reference to Jesus Christ, who is described as God’s beloved Son throughout the Gospels (Mark 1:11, Mark 9:7). The parable foreshadows Jesus’ rejection and crucifixion. Just as the tenants reject and kill the son in the parable, Jesus was rejected and killed by the religious leaders of His time.
However, the rejection of Jesus was not the end of the story. His death and resurrection became the foundation of salvation for all who believe (Romans 5:8). What the tenants meant for evil, God used for good—bringing forgiveness, redemption, and new life to the world through Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding Jesus as the “beloved Son” deepen your appreciation for God’s love and His plan for salvation?
- In what ways are you honoring Jesus in your daily life? Are there areas where you need to give Him greater respect and obedience?
- How do you see God’s patience at work in your life? How has He given you opportunities to grow and respond to Him?
- Why do you think people often reject Jesus, even when they hear about His love and sacrifice?
- What can you do to share the message of God’s love and the importance of honoring His Son with those around you?