SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:13-17
Interesting that Pharisees (extreme fundamentalists) and Herodians (worldly liberals) worked together.
Their scheme here is to get Jesus in trouble with the Romans; get Him to advocate rebellion.
In His clever answer, Jesus affirms paying taxes, but… ‘give back to God what is God’s’, what isn’t God’s?
We are called to obey our leaders, except when it goes against God’s will (Romans 13, Acts 4:18-20, 1 Timothy 2:1).
I think this is what Jesus is saying too: be good citizens, but remain true to God’s kingdom character and purpose.
In a conflict between obeying God and our leaders (as Jesus had with these leaders), we must obey God.
I may not like the taxes, but it is within the right of the government to levee them.
I may oppose my government’s use of them, but I should not do it in a violent, rebellious manner.
Like Jesus, I need to be the change I expect from others, to model and speak up for kindness, justice, integrity… to challenge the government in a Jesus-like way.
Because I honour God, I respect worldly leaders; when I disagree with them or what they do, I need to do it in a God-honouring way… giving to leaders what they deserve, and to God what He deserves!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, help me to be a good citizen of both my community/country, and of Your kingdom. May I give to my leaders what they deserve, in a way that You deserve!
Observation/Application
Once again the religious leaders tried to trap Jesus. They had flattery words for Christ and at the same time the words were truthful. We all need to be people of integrity. And this must be in all areas of life.
Although the people then were under occupation, they still needed to pay taxes giving he government their due. And we are under authority of God for this is His world and we need to live by His rules. Do we? Do I? The consequences are more dire than the government’s. Under which rule do I live?
Obeying the laws of the land is a must.
Obeying God’s rules is a must but we/I don’t think about the consequences with the same reality as the laws of the land.
I must live for Jesus each day, serving Him always as a faithful tenant in His vineyard.
Prayer
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Love Him, love Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.