There are three kinds of questions in the world. Questions that attempt to lead to a conclusion. Questions that attempt to uncover honest answers. Questions that attempt to trap someone. The second is the best by far. Asking questions to honestly learn about the world, ourselves, others, or God are fruitful. The Gospel of Mark records several questions posed by influential religious leaders to Jesus in the days leading up to his arrest and crucifixion.
The first question was asked by the chief priests – By what authority do you do these things. The Pharisees and Herodians ask the next question. “Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus to trap him in his words. When they came, they said to him, “Teacher, we know you are truthful and don’t care what anyone thinks, nor do you show partiality but teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” They brought a coin. “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked them. “Caesar’s,” they replied. Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.” (Mark 12:13–17, CSB)
The question was well designed to either separate Jesus from the adoring crowd or condemn him before the Roman government. Jesus saw through their trap and gave us a guiding principle of faith.
How do we navigate this world that is often at odds with faith? Do we pay taxes knowing that they will be used contrary to God’s will? How do we navigate injustice in the workplace or marketplace? “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
The entire human race is stamped with the image of God, like a piece of metal is made into a coin. Jesus is calling everyone to give to God the things that are God’s – each one of us. Our enemies are stamped with the image of God. Those who curse, persecute, and murder folks of faith are stamped with the image of God. God is calling all to return to Him. Calling all to put away our rebellion and desires and return to God what belongs to God – ourselves. God didn’t leave us to find our own way but sent Jesus to make the way through His death and resurrection.
That doesn’t mean that all are saved, but that all can be. The road of self-worship that leads to destruction is wide. Many choose that road for temporary pleasure and ultimate pain. The path of faith in Jesus is narrow, sometimes difficult, but ultimately leads to inexpressible joy. We stay on that path by giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.
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