Definition: But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very important passage from Mark 12:7. It’s a startling and complex verse that deals with the concept of taking a life. Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a group of men who were arguing about what to do with Jesus, specifically about killing him. They were deeply troubled and obsessed with the idea of taking his life – they believed it was the heir and that this would bring them wealth and power. Let's unpack it layer by layer: “But those husbandmen said…” : This refers to a group of men, likely disciples or followers of Jesus, who were engaged in a heated discussion. The word "husbandmen" is a somewhat old-fashioned term for a group of men who were involved in business and finances. “…among themselves…” : This tells us they were all talking about it together, in a private setting. It's not just a casual conversation; it’s a serious, focused debate. “This is the heir…” : This is the crucial part. They weren't discussing just any life. They were arguing that Jesus was the inheritor of something – perhaps a kingdom, a position of authority, or some kind of spiritual inheritance. They believed he rightfully deserved this "inheritance." “…come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.” : This is the terrifying part! They were proposing to take Jesus's life as an act of revenge and to seize the rewards that would come from it – their “inheritance”. It’s a very aggressive and desperate idea. What does this verse really mean? This passage highlights several important things: The Wickedness of Men: It shows that men are capable of extreme evil, even when they're trying to do good. They were driven by greed and a desire for power at the expense of another human being. The Danger of Obsession: The men’s obsession with this “inheritance” is what led them to consider such a drastic act. It shows how easily people can be consumed by their own desires. Jesus's Warning: The verse is often interpreted as a warning to Jesus about the dangers of seeking power or revenge. It suggests that focusing on things that are not right and that lead to destruction is dangerous. Important Context (briefly): This passage comes before Jesus’s famous words, “Truly, I say to you, one of two will happen: one men will deny him before he is cut down, and one man will do else what he will will.” The verse is essentially a summary of their argument – it sets the stage for the larger story of Jesus's final words. In short, this verse presents a dark picture of human ambition and suggests that the pursuit of power and revenge can lead to terrible consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its historical context in more detail? Explore what it means in light of other biblical stories?