Mark 12:13-12:17

Religion and Politics

As the religious leaders try to trap Jesus with a question about taxes, He turns it around to a challenge about following God. Pastor Joe looks at the role of human government, citizens, and what it means to "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

  1. And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
  2. And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
  3. Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
  4. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.
  5. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.