“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.’ And they were amazed at him.” - Mark 12:17
Reflection by Woody Wooddell
Consider the mindset of those who were amazed. This passage takes place in Jerusalem after Palm Sunday. With his ministry nearing its completion, Jesus had come to the temple to teach, when the Pharisees confronted him. The Pharisee’s power was being challenged by Christ’s message of redemption and salvation by God through faith in him. They asked him by what authority he taught such truths that fly in the face of their laws. The Pharisees felt Christ’s power came from Satan and hoped to catch Jesus in blasphemy. Jesus considered them a “brood of vipers.”
Trying to trap him into an answer that would endanger him with either the Jews or the Romans, they asked “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? “ Taking a Denarius, Jesus recognized their hypocrisy and had them identify Caesar’s image on the coin. He said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.”
Obey your earthly authority and give Caesar the coins he is due, but obey God and give him your heart and your faith that he is due. They realized he was not here to overthrow Rome. Jesus was telling them that his kingdom was not here on earth but in heaven. Now that truly is a reason to be amazed.
Give God your heart. Be ready to be amazed.
