Mark 12:12

French (NBS) 2002 (Nouvelle Bible Segond)

Ils cherchaient à le faire arrêter, mais ils eurent peur de la foule. Ils avaient compris que c'était pour eux qu'il avait dit cette parabole. Ils le laissèrent et s'en allèrent.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Mark, the leaders of the Jews were planning to arrest Jesus because they realized he was speaking against them in his parable. However, they feared the reaction of the people and did not dare to act on their plan. They decided it was best to leave him alone for now.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who always tells the truth about things even if it makes others upset. The grown-ups at school want to punish this friend, but they're scared other kids will be mad at them. So instead of doing anything bad, they decide just to walk away and not say anything more.

Historical Background

This verse comes from the Gospel of Mark, written around 65-70 AD by an unknown author believed to have been a close associate of Peter. The book was aimed at both Jewish and Gentile Christians living in Rome during a time of persecution under Emperor Nero. In this context, it reflects the tension between Jesus' teachings and the established religious authorities.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, think about an employee who tells their boss that a project is doomed to fail due to poor planning. The boss wants to fire the employee but is worried about the morale of other workers. This scenario mirrors how authority figures must sometimes choose between their own interests and public opinion.

Topics

• authority
• truth-telling
• fear
• leadership
• consequences
• public opinion

Related Verses

• Matthew 21:45-46
• Luke 13:31-33
• John 7:44-49
• Exodus 4:18-20
• Ecclesiastes 8:4

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the leaders fear the people?

The leaders feared that if they acted against Jesus, it would provoke a negative reaction from the crowd who considered him a prophet. This indicates the significant support Jesus had among the common people.

What parable was Jesus speaking in Mark 12:12?

The previous passage (Mark 12:1-11) includes the Parable of the Tenants, where Jesus tells a story about tenants who mistreat their master's servants and son. This parable directly addresses the religious leaders' actions against God.

How does this verse relate to leadership?

This verse shows that leaders must consider public opinion when making decisions, especially in matters involving controversial figures or issues that resonate with a large audience.

What can we learn about truth-telling from this passage?

The passage illustrates the consequences of truth-telling; while it may challenge authority and provoke resistance, it can also be respected by those who value honesty and integrity.