Explore the Bible

Sunday, Feb 7

“When your Priorities are Challenged”

Mark 12:13-17, 28-34

By Malcolm Woody

Those in authority query Jesus relentlessly. After His welcome in Jerusalem, the entire city is abuzz with anticipation. Some say the Messiah is finally here. Others claim a great prophet and teacher is in their midst. The crowds are daunting, pressing in waves to hear Him, always wanting more. The Herodians and Pharisees gather in the same crowd and contemplate their plots to entrap Him. Their disdain for Him is not speculative. This has been evident nearly from the beginning.

In a concocted tone a voice emits a question, “Teacher, we know You are truthful and defer to no one, for You don’t show partiality, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Mk 12:14 HCSB). Jesus, not relenting to their feigned concern for truth, asks for a coin.

As they search for a coin to present, you realize the question is a devious trap. Furthermore, they ask for a “yes” or “no” answer to one of the most complicated questions on the day. The question summons Jesus to the precipice of a political tempest. If Jesus says “yes”, He merely confirms the inscription, claiming Caesar as nothing short of deity, therefore, committing blasphemy. Jesus would lose all influence among the Jews. If He says “no”, He could immediately be arrested by the minions of Rome and brought before the court of the Procurator. Either way, Jesus is eliminated to the delight of his enemies.

Taking the coin, Jesus asks, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it? (Mk 12:16 NLT) Everyone knows whose picture and title are on all Roman coins, especially those displaying patronizing obsequious intentions. As the crowd is hushed anxiously awaiting an answer someone states the obvious. The image and inscription belong to Caesar.

In due time, Jesus answers, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Mk 12:17 KJV) The simple answer is true brilliance. The implication is apparent. The coin belongs to Caesar and the word “render” means to give back not just give. The adversaries can say nothing against this logic and the Romans have no case against Him. The answer wasn’t just offered to leave speechless His opponents, but instead Jesus advances beyond the limitations of Roman rule to the higher obligation to God. You stand in sheer astonishment at the absolute wisdom of Jesus. You are not alone.

Eventually Jesus expounds upon this verse by answering the question of the greatest of commandments. In another simple answer, He points us to a foundation of love.

Jesus answered, “The most important one says: `People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second most important commandment says: `Love others as much as you love yourself.' No other commandment is more important than these.”(Mk 12:29-31 CEV)

In our day, priorities are mixed and we are drawn in multiple directions at the whim of seemingly insurmountable compulsions to go and do. Jesus reminds us that the foundational truth of His love should shade all the going and doing. Look at how the two commandments break down. First, everything starts with Him. There is only one God and there is no sense in proceeding until that is understood. Next, we move toward our love for Him. This love is identified as being carried out in four manifestations, namely, our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are called to love God with all our heart placing nothing else on this throne. Then we are to love Him with our innermost being or soul. This soul was created and fashioned by Him, and here in the soul the created looks back to the Creator with love for His design. Our mind is the processor of what we see, hear, say, touch and learn. We are to love Him as we look around creation and marvel at his work. Finally, with all the strength we can muster we render that back to the Source of our strength in adoration.

After establishing our love for God, Jesus directs us toward others. With our heart, soul, mind and strength full of love for God we let that pour out uninhibited. The truth is the truly surrendered Christian can’t stop it, therefore liberating all the priorities of this world to come into crystal clear alignment. We are aligned with Jesus. His priorities become our priorities.

Woody is a member of Broadmoor Church, Madison.