Mark 12:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Mark 12:6
6 Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
Chapter Context
Mark 12 is a action-oriented gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of creation, obedience, sacrifice. Written during the mid first century CE (c. 65-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Composed during or just after Nero's persecution when eyewitnesses were disappearing.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-44: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Mark and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Mark 12:6
6 Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
Analysis
Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved—The climactic agapētos (ἀγαπητός, beloved) echoes God's declaration at Jesus' baptism (Mark 1:11) and transfiguration (9:7). He sent him also last unto them (ἔσχατον, eschaton, finally, last of all)—this is God's ultimate revelation, beyond which no further messenger comes. They will reverence my son (ἐντρέπω, entrepō, to respect, regard with shame)—the father's expectation, tragically misplaced.
This verse is the heart of Christian theology: after all the prophets, God sends His unique, beloved Son as the final messenger. The 'therefore' connects to previous rejection—incredibly, despite servant-murders, the father risks his son. This reveals both Christ's supreme dignity (beyond all prophets) and the Father's incomprehensible love. That the father expects 'reverence' for the son establishes the tenants' inexcusable guilt when they kill him.
Historical Context
Written around AD 65-70, Mark's Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the 'beloved Son' (1:11, 9:7, 12:6). This parable, delivered during Passion Week just days before the crucifixion, is Jesus' clear claim to unique divine sonship. The religious leaders understood perfectly—He claimed to be God's final, ultimate revelation, superseding all prophets, which is why 'they sought to lay hold on him' (verse 12).
Reflection
- How does the father's sending of his 'beloved son' reveal the height of God's love and the depth of human depravity in rejecting Him?
- What makes Jesus categorically different from all previous prophets, and why does this demand a different response?
- How do you 'reverence' the Son—with mere acknowledgment or with the worship and obedience due God's beloved?
Cross-References
- Love: Matthew 3:17
- Parallel theme: John 1:34