Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar

Jesus is fair and righteous!

Mark 12:13-17
13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, 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 the imperial tax[b] 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 image is this? And whose inscription?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

And they were amazed at him.

Awe and wonder is the very first steps of belief. True belief if you are not moved to awe when you read of not only Jesus’ miracles,  but His teachings and answers, then a major part of faith is missing. You must be amazed. Even the Pharisees who sought to discredit Him were amazed.

Time and time again our Creator has shown us that even as man, as mortal man, the miraculous is possible when faith is present. The answer given to those who were intent on trapping Him is nothing short of amazing. He told them not to quarrel about worldly things. To do so would only detract from your faith and assured growth with the Father. And growth is promised once you seek Him. It’s guaranteed and promised.

Let’s do something today for Him. Find somebody closest to you and tellbthem one thing about Jesus. Tell them that He amazes you every time you hear of Him. Tellbthem a story about how he told those who had never sinned to cast the first stone, or how he told those that sought to ensnare Him to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. In doing so, you will have shared your faith. Then ask them if they know Jesus. Then tellbthem how you know Him, and ask how they know Him.

That sounds like a fantastic lunch conversation. It’s the perfect season for it. The birth of our Lord and Savior is upon us. God be with you today as you share Him with others. Do not be afraid. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK