This is the climax of the parable (Mark 12:1-12). The belligerent tenant farmers assumed that once they had disposed of the owner's son, it would be game, set and match to them.  But they had failed to account for the character of the owner.  The landlord was a just man, and that was why he had exercised extraordinary patience.  But justice demands that injustice is dealt with.  After his son was killed, the owner was left with no option except to remove those who failed to honour him.  They had used up all their chances.  Judgement was inevitable; the privilege of developing the vineyard would be given to others.

Jesus made the parable so pointed by quoting Psalm 118:22-23 that the religious leaders could not miss its meaning. They knew it referred to the Messiah, and knew who Jesus was claiming to be.  Remarkably, the word for 'salvation' in the earlier part of Psalm 118:14, 21 is 'Yeshua' - the Hebrew word for Jesus.  So v14, "The Lord is my strength and my defence; he has become my salvation." might be read, 'The Lord is my strength and defence; He has become my Jesus'.  As the Psalm goes on to prophetically describe how the most unlikely stone would be used in the most important position of the building, the religious leaders hated Him all the more.  

They also understood that the fate of the tenant farmers in the story, was a prophecy against them. So this galvanised their killing zeal.  But while they had no fear of God, they were frightened of the reaction of the crowd.  How short sighted. But those who cannot (or will not) see the truth, are indeed blind.  They would have done much better to have feared God.

Job 28:28 says, "The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom ...".  The egocentric approach of every heart that rejects Jesus - is always unwise.  It leads to destruction and much trouble along the way.  Yet such people are often frightened of human rejection.  They will do all in their power to gain respect, popularity and acceptance, as though this world is all there is.  Those who fear the Lord need not fear any man.  But those who despise the Lord live in fear of rejection.  The diagnosis is clear - and the treatment is to come as a sinner to Jesus (www.crosscheck.org.uk).  That is the only way to lasting wisdom, wholeness and acceptance.