Render Unto God

 Mark 12:13-17
13 Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus to trap him in his words. 14 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? ”
 15 But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” 16 They brought a coin. “Whose image and inscription is this? ” he asked them.
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
 17 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.

GOING DEEPER
Parallel, Related and Referenced Passages
Parallel Accounts: Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26
 
1) THE BAITED TRAP

• Mark 3:6 — The Pharisees and Herodians begin plotting together to destroy Jesus.
• Mark 11:27–33 — The religious leaders refuse to answer Jesus because they fear the people.
• Ephesians 4:15 — “Speaking the truth in love.”
• Acts 5:37 — Judas the Galilean rose up during the census, was killed, and his followers scattered.

 
2) AN AMAZING ANSWER

• Romans 13:1–7 — Governing authorities are instituted by God; believers are to submit, pay taxes, and give respect and honor.
• 1 Timothy 2:1–6 — Pray for kings and those in authority so that we may live tranquil and godly lives.
• Titus 3:1 — Be subject to rulers and authorities.
• 1 Peter 2:13–17 — Submit to human authorities; honor everyone, fear God, honor the emperor.
• Genesis 9:5–6 — Human responsibility to protect human life and administer justice after the flood.

 

• Acts 5:29 — “We must obey God rather than people.”
• Daniel 3:16–18 — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse an idolatrous command.
• Daniel 6:10 — Daniel continues praying despite the king’s decree.
• John 19:10–11 — Pilate’s authority over Jesus exists only because it has been given “from above.”

 

• Genesis 1:26–27 — Humanity created in the image of God.
• Psalm 24:1 — “The earth and everything in it… belong to the LORD.”
• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — “You are not your own, for you were bought at a price.”

 

• 2 Timothy 2:23–26 — Refuse foolish controversies; correct opponents with gentleness.
• Colossians 2:8 — Beware being taken captive by human philosophies and ways of thinking.