trying to trap jesus - mark 12:13-17

The Trap ... In today's passage an unlikely alliance is formed between the "Herodians" and the "Pharisees." The Pharisees were ultra conservative Jews who resented Rome's authority over Israel and hated that Rome had the ability to require a tax. The Herodians on the other hand were liberal Jews who had compromised with Rome and supported the tax in order to gain power. These two very opposite groups joined forces in opposing Jesus. They sought to trap Jesus in His words by asking Him if they ought to pay the Roman tax or not. If Jesus said yes then the crowds would resist Him just as they resisted Rome, but if He said no then the Herodians could have Him arrested for opposing Rome's rule. It seemed like a sure trap.

Amazing Wisdom ... Jesus saw their hypocrisy and asked to see a "denarius" which was the coin used to pay the Roman tax. After bringing their attention to the fact that Caesar's image was on the coin (which signified that the coin was his own personal property), He said, "Render to Caeser the things that are Caeser's, and to God the things that are God's" (vs. 17). In other words, Jesus told them to give Caeser his money back because it was part of his kingdom anyway, but to give God their whole lives because they bear His image and therefore belong to Him (Genesis 1:26-27). The trap failed because Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, was able to show that paying taxes to Rome does not rival the ultimate authority of God in our lives.

Render to Caesar & Render to God ... Jesus' statement in verse 17 makes clear that governments are ordained by God and should be supported and obeyed (Romans 13:1-7). However, our highest allegiance should always be to God and His Kingdom (Acts 5:28-29).

*Questions for Reflection:

1. How can we get wisdom like that of Jesus? Are you pursuing such wisdom?

2. Why is it important that we be good citizens of the state? How can you be a better citizen?

3. Why is it important that we view ourselves as Christians before we view ourselves as Americans?