Mark 12:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In a similar manner, the Lord continued to unveil the truth that due to their obstinacy and wicked resistance, not just they, but the entire nation, was forfeiting the privilege of the first entry into the kingdom of the Messiah. The new parable, directed toward both the Pharisees and the people (Luke 20:9-19), was taken from the vineyard metaphor. The Lord entrusted this vineyard to certain workers, not for their own cultivation, but to gather its fruits, and He sent messengers to them multiple times; however, the unrighteous laborers mistreated some, killed others, and stoned even more. Finally, He sent His Son, but they conspired to kill Him too, hoping to seize His master's inheritance by force. Thus, they took Him, led Him away from the vineyard, and put Him to death.

Once more, he dispatched another servant to them, yet they stoned him and sent him away in disgrace; the vinedressers struck him and offered no reward. A third servant was sent by the owner of the vineyard, but the vinedressers also took his life. Numerous other servants were sent, but each faced the same outcome: the vinedressers produced no fruit, and the messengers were beaten or even slain. They ought to recall the persecution faced by these prophets, many of whom were killed, including the final prophet and forerunner, John the Baptist, who was similarly rejected by them.

He then called upon them to "listen to another parable," that of the disobedient vineyard keepers who refused to yield the fruit of the vineyard. This vineyard of the Lord of Hosts symbolized the house of Israel, with the Jewish nation being His treasured planting. The leaders and teachers entrusted with the care of the people were expected to bring forth the harvest for the Lord. Nevertheless, despite the many efforts directed toward the vineyard, no fruit was produced, or perhaps only wild fruit emerged. Unable to bear fruit and unwilling to admit their lack of productivity, for which they were accountable, the vinedressers mistreated and killed messenger after messenger that the lord of the vineyard had sent.