Question about Paying Taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:13–17)

 

Mark 12:13–17 contains a significant encounter between Jesus and  religious leaders who try to trap Him with challenging questions. Here's a breakdown of what's happening and the truths Jesus teaches.

Question about Paying Taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:13–17)

What's Happening

The Pharisees and Herodians approach Jesus with the intent of trapping Him in His words. They ask whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not.

This question is a trap because if Jesus says, "Yes," He could lose favor with the Jewish people who resented Roman rule. If He says, "No," He could be accused of rebellion against Rome.

Jesus' Response

Jesus asks them to bring a denarius, a Roman coin, and asks whose image is on it. They reply, "Caesar's."

Jesus then says, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Truths Jesus Teaches

Dual Responsibility: Jesus affirms that people have responsibilities both to the government and to God. The coin bears Caesar's image, so it belongs to Caesar, but humans bear God's image, so they belong to God.

Prioritization of Allegiance: Jesus subtly indicates that while people should fulfill their civic duties, their ultimate allegiance belongs to God.

Jesus teaches profound truths about the proper relationship between earthly and divine obligations.

More: Lesson 9 Jerusalem Controversies.