Mark 12:13-17

Religious Leaders Question Jesus

about Paying Taxes

 

14 They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity.

 

You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

 

Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?

 

15 Should we pay or shouldn't we?"

 

But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. "Why are you trying to trap me?" he asked.

 

"Bring me a denarius and let me look at it."

 

16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"

 

"Caesar's," they replied.

 

17 Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

 

And they were amazed at him.

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This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

What Did Jesus Say about Paying Taxes?

Rome was ruling over Judea at this time so paying taxes to Caesar was not optional.

And, the taxes went to things that the Jewish community loathed such as a high & decadent lifestyle.

Also, a portion of the taxes paid by Jews went to support the pagan temples and gods.

Jesus knew what the taxes paid to Rome were financing but he would be trapped by either a "yes" or "no" answer. He could either be loyal to Rome or to the people of Judea, but not both.

Caesar's picture was on the denarius (about a day's wage) so Jesus said that this money belonged to Rome.

God's picture is on the hearts of His people which means that our lives belong to Him.

A past pastor of our church used to say every Sunday; "Let's give back to God now." and I have a feeling he is not just talking about our Sunday tithes and offerings.

Let's give back to God with our hearts and souls and hands and feet. Doesn't God deserve our very best?

Love in Christ

- Bob

Mark 11:12-19 Jesus Clears the Temple Again and Drives Out Money Changers