What does Mark 12:11 mean?

Explanation

The verse "This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" is found in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 12, verse 11.

It was spoken by Jesus, who was quoting from Psalm 118:23.

This declaration is part of a parable Jesus shared with the chief priests, scribes, and elders about a vineyard let out to husbandmen, who mistreated the owner's servants and eventually killed his beloved son.

The son represents Jesus, and the vineyard owner represents God.

The husbandmen symbolize the religious leaders of Israel who rejected Jesus.

The "Lord's doing" refers to God’s sovereign plan of bringing salvation through Jesus Christ, which seemed astonishing and counterintuitive given the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus.

The verse highlights the divine paradox that God can bring about His purpose and goodness through seemingly tragic and unjust events.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Mark was written in a first-century Greco-Roman context, likely composed shortly before or after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD.

This was a time of social upheaval for the Jewish people, and the early Christian community was trying to understand the significance of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection amidst these events.

The Parable of the Tenants in Mark 12 reflects tension between the early Christian community and the Jewish religious establishment.

By quoting Psalm 118, a hymn of salvation and victory, Jesus was making a claim about his messianic identity and foretelling the coming rejection by the leaders of Israel and the subsequent inclusion of the Gentiles in God's salvific plan.

Theological Insights

The verse carries significant theological implications.

From a Christian perspective, it suggests the sovereignty of God in salvation history, underscoring that the crucifixion of Jesus was within God's divine plan for human redemption. The use of the word "marvellous" conveys a sense of awe and mystery regarding God’s ways.

Moreover, Christian theologians often see in this verse the stone rejected by the builders, which is Jesus, becoming the cornerstone of a new spiritual edifice – the Church.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, "This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" encourages believers to trust in God’s greater plan, even in difficult circumstances.

It suggests that God's workings may defy human expectations and often can't be understood at the time they occur.

This verse can be a source of hope, emphasizing the Christian belief that God can bring good out of tragedy and that His ultimate purposes will prevail.

Cross-References

• Matthew 21:42: "Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?"
• Psalm 118:22-23: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."

• Acts 4:11: "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner."

Language Study

The phrase "This was the Lord's doing" uses the key word "doing" translated from the Greek "ἐγένετο", which is the third person singular aorist middle indicative of "γίνομαι", meaning "to become, to come into existence, to happen".

The description of it as "marvellous" comes from the Greek "θαυμαστὸν", which is the accusative singular of "θαυμαστός", meaning "wonderful, marvelous, astonishing." Language study of these terms emphasizes the surprise and divine nature of the event being described.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of God using unexpected means to accomplish His purposes is not unique to Christianity.

In various cultural myths and religious narratives, deities often work through surprising events or characters.

For instance, in some Hindu stories, Lord Krishna accomplishes great things through seemingly simple acts.

However, the concept of God allowing His chosen one to be rejected and killed as part of His divine plan is distinctive to Christian theology among Abrahamic faiths.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly engage with scientific concepts, the sense of wonder (marvel) it expresses aligns with the awe many feel when contemplating the universe from a scientific perspective.

The idea of a marvel can also correspond to a scientific sense of wonder at the natural world and the complexity of life, echoing the sentiment that there are phenomena beyond human comprehension, which may provoke admiration and contemplation.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse.

Many agree on its messianic reference, suggesting that Jesus is speaking about his own forthcoming rejection and eventual exaltation as part of God's plan.

Some commentaries focus on the theological implications, emphasizing divine sovereignty and providence.

Others explore the verse's eschatological dimensions, seeing it as a proclamation of the eventual triumph of Jesus and the establishment of God's kingdom.

There is also discussion around the role of Israel and the Church in God's plan, with some scholars interpreting the verse as prophetic of the shift from Israel to the Church as the primary vehicle for God's purposes on earth.