The Gospel of Mark: A Question about Taxes

Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Jesus said to them, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him. ~ Mark 12:13-17



It's easy to miss the subtleties of this conversation. In this famous discussion between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, we  can get caught up in wondering just what Jesus thinks about taxes, and can miss one of the ways he turns the tables here on the Pharisees and Herodians.

The denarius was the Roman currency of the time. It had Tiberius Caesar's picture on one side and the words "Son of the Divine Augustus" on the other side. As in, Son of God.

A Jewish person having one in their pocket was tantamount to having an idol in your pocket. 

Jesus has caught the keepers of the law having an idol in their pocket.

An idol that called the Emperor "Son of God."

Suddenly, this is about more than money.

So the question this text always brings to my mind is from the Capital One commercial. You know the one: "what's in your wallet?"

What do the contents of our wallets say about who our God truly is?


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen


Engagement Questions:


Take a look at the contents of your purse or wallet. What do they say about what is important to you?

 

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