10 May 2020 (am) – Mark 12:13-17

Andy Bruins preaching from Mark on Sunday 10th May 2020.

Mark 12:13-17 Give what you owe

This is the first of 3 questions asked by groups from the Sanhedrin to try and trap Jesus in His words.

The Pharisees bring along with them the political Herodians to ask a question about tax – should the Jews pay Caesar of not?

If Jesus says “Yes” then the Pharisees will discredit Him as a possible Messiah. But if He says “No” then the Herodians will bring the power of Rome down on Him for treason!

Jesus examines a Roman coin and then answers, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

Summary: We are to give what’s due to the powers that govern this world, but more importantly, we are to give God what He is due as our creator.

Q Why was an alliance between the Pharisees and the Herodians to unusual? Why do you think they were willing to lay aside their differences in this instance?

Q How do we “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” today? Is it ever ok to rebel against our government?

Q What does it mean to “give to God what is God’s”?