"The other major example of the concentric [1] pattern in Mark"s story [2] is the series of Jesus" conflicts with the authorities in Jerusalem [3], comprised of seven episodes: Episodes A and A1 involve Jesus" statement of judgment against the authorities (the riddle of the wicked tenants and the warning against the scribes). Episodes B and B1 include a quotation from the psalms followed by a reaction to that citation (the quotations about the cornerstone and David"s son); and episodes C and C1 are both legal discussions about love for God and neighbor (Caesar and God, and love for God and neighbor). Episode D is the central episode; its topic is the resurrection, and its theme illuminates all the episodes: the failure of the authorities to understand either the writings or the power of God." [4][source]
Matthew"s account of this parable is fuller than Mark"s because Matthew evidently wanted to show the Jews how wicked and irresponsible their leaders were. Mark probably included the story because it contrasts the behavior of Israel"s official servants, the religious leaders, with God"s Servant, Jesus. [source][source][source]
"Recent study of the Zenon papyri and of the rabbinic parables has shown that situations very closely analogous to that of the parable actually existed in Palestine both around280 years prior to Jesus" ministry and for some time afterward." [5][source]