| “And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him.” – Mark 12:17 |
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| A Good Citizen of TWO Worlds With Mark 12:17 beginning with AND JESUS ANSWERED we should quickly look back at the question. Notice Mark 12:13 – 16 for the background. Then they (Religious leaders who want to kill Jesus) sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? “Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” (THE QUESTION IS PROPOSED and now the answer begins) But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” In seeking to trick Jesus into a response that would land Him in hot water with the Romans Jesus is asked about paying TAXES. With much wisdom, He answers with an answer that leaves the listeners astonished. He looks at a coin with Caesar’s image on it and says GIVE Caesar the things that are his. In other words, He said, YES PAY YOUR TAXES. What makes this verse so astonishing is the next part as He tells them to GIVE to GOD the things that are HIS. Church father Tertullian wrote, “‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s;’ that is, give to Caesar his image stamped upon his coin, and give to God His Own image stamped upon you; so that while you render to Caesar the coin which is his due, you may render your own self to God.” (Pulpit Commentary) To the question of paying taxes, the response from Jesus is that we have responsibilities to our government and then He added that we have responsibilities to God. A citizen of heaven should be a good citizen on earth AND a citizen on earth should be a faithful citizen of heaven. While giving a tribute (tax) to the Roman government Jesus calls the questioners to give themselves in TOTALITY to God. In essence, He exposed them for not being loyal to Caesar and not being loyal to God. No wonder they were ASTONISHED at this teaching! So, are you paying your taxes? I trust you are. So, are you PRESENTING yourself to God as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him? Verse to DATE the Word on December 17 (12/17) is Mark 12:17. It says, “And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him.” Continue Strong as good citizens of Earth and Heaven, And remember to DATE THE WORD |