Mark 12:9, 12 - Accepting Feedback Over Pride (Bible Journal)
“'What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do?' Jesus asked. 'I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others.' The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away (Mark 12:9, 12 NLT)."
Humility, and the ability to accept criticism and learn from it are important life lessons, as both will not only help us grow personally, but will make us better to be around as well. The religious leaders in Jesus' day were given this opportunity to learn from the Lord Himself, and their pride and selfishness promoted them to continue being the evil people they were being taught not to be in the parable. It isn't easy to hear when I'm wrong, but I treasure the opportunity to repent and work on improving, and I am counting on God to help me overcome my own pride that creeps up at times when these chances for personal development come up.
Lord, thank You for teaching me through not only today's example in Scripture, but by calling me out when I fall short as well. Please help me to avoid getting defensive when I hear hard truths about myself, and please help me to use those moments to learn and become a better servant of Yours. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.