Mark 12:13-17

Passage

The Jewish leaders then send some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to try and trap Jesus in His teaching.  They come and confess that Jesus is a person of integrity who does not let the opinions of others influence Him.  They also confess that He is not swayed by the external ways that people appear but instead always teaches the way of God.  Having flattered Him, they now ask whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.  Knowing that it was just an act, Jesus asked them why they are trying to test Him.  He asks them to bring a denarius to Him.  When they do, Jesus asks whose image appears on the coin.  When they reply that it is Caesar’s image, Jesus tells them to give to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar and to give to God that which belongs to God.  Everyone was amazed at Jesus.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jewish religious authorities come to Jesus to ask another question.  However, in doing so they flatter Him.  They try to set Him up.  I’m sure that even if Jesus wasn’t fully divine He could have smelled this trap coming.  The issue with the way that the Pharisees and Herodians approached Him is simple.  If they think He teaches truth and the ways of God, why do they not follow Him?  If they respect Him because He doesn’t let appearances and external signs influence Him, why are they trying to flatter Him?  Again, the subtle point comes back to submission.  Submit to truth and honesty when you see God at work.

Do you think the Pharisees and Herodians believed the words that they said here?  Why do people say things they don’t believe?  Why do people not act rightly upon words they say even when they do say things they believe?  How are you doing submitting to those who teach truth and do not allow external appearances to influence them?

Second Thought:

When the Pharisees come to trap Jesus, He again turns it upon them.  This is one of my favorite tactics of Jesus, and we’ve seen it frequently in the past few days.  When those who come ask a question of Jesus, Jesus in turn asks a question back.  From a discipleship perspective, this is an incredible tool to learn.  Asking rebuttal questions helps the leader discern two things.  First, it helps the leader understand whether people are coming to Him to actually learn or merely prove their own point.  Those who come to learn honestly answer the rebuttal question, all others deflect or ignore.  Second, asking a rebuttal question helps clarify the position of the person who asks the original question.  It is always easier to undergo the process of making a disciple when the disciple’s position is clear.

Why do most people immediately jump to answering a question when they are asked?  Why do we as human beings feel the need to have all the answers?  How can you learn to ask rebuttal questions before answering in earnest?  What will such questions do for you?

Third Thought:

I have not had this third thought until right now.  Jesus’ question may have been a test.  When they look at something, where do the people focus?  In this case, they see the image of Caesar.  Since the coin is something that is made from creation, they very easily could have said they see God’s imprint upon it.  But no.  Rather than see God in creation they see man’s work upon that which God created.  Their focus is not on God the creator.  They focus on the works of mankind, the manipulators of creation.

Why is this point so challenging?  How easily do you see God in things that are not specifically illustrative of God?  How good are you at remembering to look for God?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 12:18-27