LANGUAGE:
What To Do With Life’s Caesars
(Mark 12:13-17; Matt 22:15–22; Luke 20:20–26)
Our study today comes from Mark’s Gospel, chap 12, vs 13-17. Keep foremost in your mind that we are in the last 48 plus hours of Jesus’ life on earth leading to His crucifixion. For three plus years Jesus has been crisscrossing Judea and northern Galilee demonstrating by word-and-deed that He is the Son of the living God. In the words of John MacArthur, He has proven it by His power over disease, over demons, over death and over nature. He has shown that He has absolute sovereign power over the physical world, the spiritual world and even the angelic realm. He has displayed not only His deity by His power, He has displayed His deity by His mercy.[i]
With your Bibles open to Mark 12, vs13-17, follow along as we read Mark’s account of Jesus’ interaction with the Temple leadership Mark 12:13–17 (GW)
13The leaders sent some of the Pharisees and some of Herod’s followers to Jesus. They wanted to trap him into saying the wrong thing.
14When they came to him, they said, “Teacher, we know that you tell the truth. You don’t favor individuals because of who they are. Rather, you teach the way of God truthfully. Is it right to pay taxes to the emperor or not? Should we pay taxes or not?”
15Jesus recognized their hypocrisy, so he asked them, “Why do you test me? Bring me a coin so that I can look at it.”
16They brought a coin. He said to them, “Whose face and name is this?” They told him, “The emperor’s.”
17Jesus said to them, “Give the emperor what belongs to the emperor, and give God what belongs to God.” They were surprised at his reply.
Now, before we dig into the passage, it is helpful to get a little understanding as to the setting.
What unfolds is the culmination of what started back in chap 3:6, if you can remember that far back, there we are told that the Pharisees began conspiring with the Herodian’s as to how they might kill Him. Then in chap 11:27 they sent a delegation to confront Jesus as to His authority, they lost the argument and left. Now in v13 they send another delegation. Luke describes this delegation as spies who pretended to be righteous, spies who pretended to be righteous in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor. [Luke 20:20].
We need to understand that the Pharisees and Herodians were two groups that co-existed in a love/hate relationship. The Pharisees were the theological authorities, while the Herodian’s were the political authorities, supporting Roman and King Herod. The Sanhedrin thought that if they could get these two opposing groups together, they could get Jesus to make a statement that would put him in trouble Rome. In order to crucify Jesus, they needed to prove that Jesus was a political antagonist, and thereby draw Rome into the equation, believing they would bring about His death.[ii]
In seeking to prove that Jesus was a political antagonist, they set the trap around taxes, a festering sore point. V14, Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar or not?
Similar to today, there were taxes on property, grain, olive oil, wine, volume of fish caught, bringing in goods by ship, border tax for crossing state lines, and entering through city gates. As you can suspect, paying taxes to Rome was a real stinger. In addition, they believed that Rome’s taxation was treason against God.
Rome’s taxation was steeped in bitter history. They took over Israel around 63 BC (that would be ‘before Jesus was born). When Roman took over Israel they took a census and required everyone to be taxed one denarius per year. Sometime around 37 BC, a man by the name of Judas, not the one who betrayed Jesus, led a tax insurrection. Roman swept in and quelled the tax rebellion by killing everybody connected to Judas. Josephus, a Jewish historian, tells us that before his death, Judas was able to establish a deep seated anti-tax conviction that simmered up until 70 AD, when Rome again moved in and crushed the rebellion and Jerusalem once for all.
So now we have the tension and the backdrop to the question. Depending on how Jesus answered, the Herodian’s were hoping that Jesus would take an anti-tax position, and thereby destroy His popularity and draw the anger of Rome.[iii]
Remember the Presidential elections? In case you don't remember, we have another one coming in three years. Quite frankly I never watched them because they just twist my emotional innards, but one of the character traits of elections is what is referred to as debate time. In all these debates there is always a moderator who poses tricky questions seeking to draw out the candidate on particular issues. I am told that in one debate, one of the candidates responded to the moderator, “I’m not interested in answering your ‘gotcha questions’”.
‘Gotcha questions’ are a hot potato question designed to entrap. It’s a question that puts you between a ‘rock-and-a-hard-place.’ So V13, the Sanhedrin sent the Pharisees and Herodians to trap Jesus in a statement. [iv] These opposing ideologies now join forces to destroy Jesus. It reminds me of the prophecy in Psalm 2:2, The rulers take counsel together against the Lord.
Mark inserts the word trip to capture the intent of the Sanhedrin, making it rather interesting. It only appears here in the New Testament, and means to catch or ensnare an animal.[v] Mark wants us to understand the severity of the Sanhedrin agenda, to show that they were coming after Jesus to capture Him like an animal.[vi] Luke tells us that they were seeking to catch Jesus by His words so that they could deliver Him to the Romans, because they themselves did not have the authority to kill Him (Luke 20:20)[vii]
Now how you set a trap is really important. It is an art to setting up a good trap. One characteristics of a good trap is to create a trap camouflage. And that is what we have in v14. The question posed to Jesus most likely came from the Herodian’s. It’s sort of comical how they go about it.
Don’t miss the camouflage: “Teacher, we know that you tell the truth. You don’t favor individuals because of who they are. Rather, you teach the way of God truthfully.[viii] The camouflage comes in the form of flattery, sweet talk, excessive and insincere praise. By the way, be careful when someone ‘sweet talks’ you. Proverbs 29:5 (NASB95) A man who sweet talks his neighbor Is spreading a net for his steps. In other words, a sweet talking excessive praising neighbor is most likely setting a net to entrap you.
Make a note of this: Excessive flattery can be bathed with truth. You see, what was said of Jesus in v14 was true, but the motive behind their ‘sweet-talk’ was filled with deceit.
The best way to handle sweet talk is to know your Bibles because it gives us the tools needed to cut through deceitful flattery motives. Hebrews 4:12 (NASB95) For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Mark this down: They summed up Jesus’ character correctly—He indeed told the truth without fear or favor. After all they had felt the sting of His tongue on more occasions than they wanted to remember. Jesus’ was no politician looking testing the direction of the political wind.
Following the flattery camouflage comes the entrapment question: Is it right to pay a poll-tax to Caesar or not? Shall we pay or shall we not? (Mark 12:14 (GW)) As I pointed out, this was a hot-potato question of the day. It’s a ‘gotcha moment’. They were sure that one of two things would happen—either Jesus would lose the people’s favor and start a riot if He said ‘yes’, and/or bring the wrath of Rome on Him as an antagonist if He said ‘no’.
David Garland, in his commentary, breaks the question down for us this way:
For the Jew taxation was a constant reminder of power, suppression, and subserventness. And don’t forget, in Jesus’ band of disciples there was Matthew who had been a tax collector. He had made his living taxing people. Then there was Simon the Zealot, an adamant anti-taxation. Talk about tension within Jesus disciples!!!! And you don’t want to miss this: it was on this very issue that the Jews managed to accuse Jesus before Pilate in Luke 23:2, “We found this man undermining our law and order, forbidding taxes to be paid to Caesar. [Luke 23:2 (The Message)].
Anyway, back to our moderators. They thought they had Jesus trapped. -- If he answered, “don’t pay,” the Herodian’s would accuse Him of treason and pull in the watching Romans. If he said “pay,” it would most likely incite a riot of huge proportions because it was Passover time, which in turn would bring in the Romans, turning the crowds against Jesus.[x]
Jesus seems to be growing weary of their attempted trickery.[xi] --
The drama on the temple grounds was intense. Jesus response initially with a rhetorical response—
Why are you testing me!! Its like, Guys, why do you persist in this foolishness. You know you can’t trip me up.
Now a denarius was approximately one day’s wages of a common laborer, which worked out to a year’s tax.[xii]
Somebody reaches into his purse and ‘flips’ him a denarius.
He catches it. His eyes survey the crowd.
He runs His thumb and index finger over it . . . the crowd waits . . . the drama was intense.
Then Jesus asked, V16, Whose likeness and inscription is this? In chorus they respond, Caesar. The Caesar in question is Tiberus Caesar Augustus, emperor of Rome during Jesus’ day. We don’t want to miss the significance of the object lesson. The initial Caesar Augustus, branded himself as god, and had his face imprinted on the coins. Tiberus, his son, followed by having his image stamped on the coin, under which were these words: “Son of the divine Augustus.” So the coin’s message was, Tiberus Caesar August, the son of god. -- On the back was an imprint of him seating on a throne, wearing a diadem, and dressed as a high priest. And stamped under it were these words: “The high priest (Pontifex Maximus).”[xiii]
Remember the initial question? Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? -- V17, Jesus now answers, Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. In other words, Pay your taxes. We don’t want to miss the application—Because Tiberius had these coins minted, the coins belong to him. And because they were using his coins, they owed the taxes that Caesar called for, so render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s
But He doesn’t stop there. He then adds, Render to God the things that are God’s. Just as the coins were stamped with Caesar’s image, so our lives are stamped with God’s image -- Genesis 1:27 (NASB95) says, God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Therefore render to God what is God’s.
What is interesting is this: Scripture clearly teaches that government is initiated by God. Romans 13:1 (NASB95) Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God, So when we pay our taxes, we are in a manner of speaking rendering to God what is His. 1 Peter 2:13 (NASB95) Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority. The point is, as much as it grates against our inner selves--civil authority, civil law are all designed by God for our well-being. To live correctly is to obey authority, to obey authority is to render to God what is God . . . unless the government tells you/me to do something that God forbids us to do. Acts 5:29 (NASB95) “We must obey God rather than men.
This is heavy stuff, and has a great deal to do with our lives. Let me wrap this up with two applications for us
Remember the beginning of Mark’s Gospel? -- Chap 1, v14(GW) When Jesus started His in Galilee, He came preaching the gospel of God, saying, “The time has come, and the kingdom of God is near. Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News,” in other words, repent and believe the Gospel. When we come to chapter 12, vs 13-17 Jesus is telling us that we need to be clear as to the images around us and how we relate to them.
When we become a Follower of Jesus, we become Kingdom of God citizens. As bearers of the image of God, what do we owe God? Answer: we are called to LOVE THE LORD OUR GOD WITH ALL OUR HEART, AND WITH ALL OUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL OUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL OUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” [Luke 10:27 (NASB95)].
The issue here is not the Caesar’s of the world. They are secondary, not primary. The governments of the world are not primary, they are secondary. It is the Kingly rule of Christ over our lives. Philippians 3:20 (NASB95) our citizenship is in heaven . . . As citizen of the Kingdom of God I am called to adopt the culture and behavior of my citizen identity. As citizens of Heaven, we have the responsibility to demonstrate God’s kingdom here on Earth. That’s why Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). -- To be a citizens of heaven is to exemplify our citizenship here on earth. As David Garland reminds us: Jesus does not call us to disengage from the world, nor does He confer on us with special status that allows us to escape its obligations. Christians are not free from civil laws designed to promote order.[xiv]
1 Peter 1:13 (NASB95) Therefore, prepare your minds for action,
keep sober in spirit,
fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
V17, Mark tells us that these hypocritical critics who were on the hunt to trap Jesus stood in amazement at His response. In his corresponding passage, Luke(NASB95) tells us in chap 20, v26 they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, they became silent. They were so stunned by Jesus’ answer, they couldn’t respond.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB95) the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Here’s the deal . . . however you come to God, know that He is checking out your heart, your spiritual allegiance. He doesn’t miss a beat. And that my friends is absolutely true.
Let’s close in prayer
Gracious Father, help us make a memory. Help us not to be steered by the pressures of the world around us. As Peter stated it in his letters, make Your Word and the glory of Your Son overpower us, conforming us to the image of Your Son. We really need the power of the Holy Spirit in these critical days that we live. Decisions are being made that at some point are going to impact us in ways that go against our citizenship in heaven. Part of my request, heavenly Father, is that you bath us with the Holy Spirit so that we are wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Help us to live out our responsibilities as Kingdom citizens. Keeping our eyes on the King of all kings. . . . Amen
Well, as you go this week, remember . . . keep in mind that as followers of Jesus we are called to render unto Caesar those things that are Caesar’s and unto God those things that are God’s. When Followers of Jesus live in light of that principle in the midst of a pagan culture, it becomes a powerful testimony. On the other hand, when those who claim to be Followers of Jesus disrespect authority, disobey the law, or withdraw from society and live unto themselves without doing good deeds, it leaves a bad taste in the mouths of those who are prone to criticize Christianity.[xv]
That’s all for today. Don’t forget, In the midst of the swirling difficulties, God is walking with you.
[i] John MacArthur, The Pathology of a Religious Hypocrite, (Mark 12:13-17),
https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/41-61/the-pathology-of-a-religious-hypocrite. the
[ii] Ibid., the Pharisees wanted to get rid of Jesus because of His theology. That was not enough for the Romans. The Romans weren’t going to kill Jesus for His theology. The only way the Romans would kill Jesus was for His political views. Thus the Herodians need to be complaisant in this situation because the goal of the Sanhedrin is to put Jesus in a position where He makes political statements that the Romans will read as an open rebellion. That’s the plan. And the Herodians, if Jesus came off as being anti-Roman, anti-Caesar and a threat to the peace of Israel under Roman rule, would then make a straight line to the Romans and report Jesus and the Romans would then have to arrest Him and deal with Him.
Now the governor, placed by Rome there, was a man named Pontius Pilate. He is in Jerusalem at this time. Herod Antipas, the Herod, is also in Jerusalem at this time for the Passover. They’re both there. So it’s not going to take long to get the word to them once it’s established that Jesus is a threat to Rome. Now the Romans already know that Jesus has a massive following. That was displayed on Monday when hundreds of thousands of people collected around Him as He came into the city and hailed Him as the Messiah, as the king. So they’re aware of that. They’re very much aware of the fact that He came in and did what He did to the temple, which put His power on display as well as His popularity.
So they know that He’s a potential problem, especially with this kind of massive following. So the Sanhedrin decides that all we have to do is show Rome that He’s a threat, get Him arrested and Rome will kill Him because He’s a threat, and once Rome arrests Him, the Jews will abandon Him because they think the Messiah is going to overthrow Rome and if the Romans arrest Jesus, then He can’t be the Messiah.
That’s the plan. Get Jesus arrested. The people will fade away. And it turned out to be that they did. And the Romans will execute Him. That’s the plan. So what do they have to do? They have to get Jesus to say something that will cause the Romans to arrest Him. That’s the plan. Then He’ll lose His popularity with the Jews and His life at the hands of the Romans. The plan then unfolds at the end of verse 13. They decide, coming to Him to trap Him in a statement, to trap Him in a statement.
[iii] See John MacArthur, The Pathology of a Religious Hypocrite
[iv] Cf., Luke 11:54 (NASB95) plotting against Him to catch Him in something He might say. Mark 3:2 (NASB95)2They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.; Luke 20:20 (NASB95)20So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor.; Acts 23:21 (NASB95)21“So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.”
[v] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).
[vi] John MacArthur, The Pathology of a Religious Hypocrite, (Mark 12:13-17), https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/41-61/the-pathology-of-a-religious-hypocrite
[vii] Cf., Luke 11:54 (NASB95) 54plotting against Him to catch Him in something He might say.
[viii] Ibid., Luke 20 says, “You speak and teach correctly.” And he uses the Greek word orthōs, from which we get orthopedic or better, orthodox. You speak straight. You speak in an orthodox way. “And You defer to no one, for You are not partial to anyone.” In other words, You don’t care who You are talking to, You don’t care who You’re eye-to-eye with, You don’t care what rank that person has, You always speak the truth. You have no consideration for the consequences or the impact negatively. You just speak the truth and we honor You for that.
[ix] David E. Garland, Mark, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996), 462.
[x] Rodney L. Cooper, Mark, vol. 2, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 202.
[xi] See Mark 3:2 (NASB95) 2They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.; Luke 20:20 (NASB95) 20So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor.; Acts 23:21 (NASB95) 21“So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.”
[xii] Ibid.
[xiii] Alistair Begg, Render to Caesar (Mark 12:13-17), https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/render-caesar/
[xiv] David E. Garland, Mark, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996), 465.
[xv] Cf., Steve Cole, Lesson 11: Chistian Citizenship (1 Peter 2:13-17), https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-11-christian-citizenship-1-peter-213-17