Lenten Devotion for 2 April 2011 Anno Domini

Lenten Devotion for 2 April 2011 Anno Domini

13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. 14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. (Mark 12:13-17)

Quite often it is the very smallest of things that may have the greatest of meanings. These five verses today, for example, are short and succinct, yet they are as well known as any work by Shakespeare or Tolstoi. And the object featured (a Roman penny) was also the smallest of denominations of the time. But a great lesson is taught thereby in the example of Christ.

First, observe the character of the two different groups who came to Christ to tempt and tease Christ – 1)Pharisees and 2) Herodians. There is no little significance represented by these two different groups. The Pharisees were adherents to the theocratic government of Israel through the Temple Worship. The Herodians, on the other hand, were adherents of King Herod who favored the rule of Rome in Palestine. It is obvious from the question which they brought to Christ that their trap was double-pronged to catch Him up in either a political or religious error of profundity.

And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth These odious courtesan begin with a line of flattery, but follow on with a loaded question. It was a well-conceived and thought-out question much like that of the serpent in beguiling Eve in the Garden.

Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not ? Shall we give, or shall we not give? Knowing the public sentiment ran against those who colluded with Rome, they hoped that Christ might answer ‘Yes’ thereby incurring the wrath and disrespect of the people. Of course, there goal would have been just as well accomplished if he were to answer ‘No” bringing upon Himself the criminal offense of rebellion against Roman rule - quite a perfect trap in the minds of these sinister devils. The question, too, was framed for only a yes or no response. Also, enshrined in the question was the word ‘give’ rather than ‘render’ as Christ used. Taxes are no gift to the government, but payment for the benefits that government provides.

But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. “Be not deceived, God is not mocked.” (Gal 6:7) Christ knew their dark hearts and the motive which compelled them to the question ere they spoke it. Such men are like the green-leaved fig trees promising fruit, but providing none. He called them hypocrites. Fear not the charge of “judging”. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck – perhaps we should call it a duck! Why tempt ye me Christ recognized at once the trap and undertakes to turn a bigger table here than that which he overturned in the Temple earlier.

Bring me a penny, that I may see it. They have lost control of the argument. Christ is now telling THEM what to do and they are doing it!

And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? By whose authority was this coin minted? Whose image is thereon? In reality, it was the coin of the realm and all in Jerusalem acknowledged the power of Caesar by using his coins. And they said unto him, Caesar's It is they who answer the difficult questions now. Even though they are feeling a bit foolish at this point, they still have no idea that the trap they set for Christ is about to come crashing down around their own unworthy heads. One lesson we MUST take home from this text – do not engage in argument with God! Do not attempt to force Him into a corner with your prayers.

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's Yes, quite clearly, we understand from this that those things which bear the image of Caesar belong to Caesar. If we take advantage of his coinage, we must bear the responsibility of allegiance in things secular. But what of those things which bear the image of God. You and I are made in His image and likeness. We must bear His image and we must serve Him. We are the currency of Christ. In this role, we benefit society around us salt provides savor and life to food. Though men may misspend us (persecute us) we are still coinage of the realm of Heaven. If we receive two new pennies and hide one under a bushel, and spend the other, what may become of them in ten years? The one we spend will doubtless shine like new from passing through many hands and travelling, conceivably, around the world to the benefit of thousands or millions. But what of the penny hidden under the bushel. If we lift the burden under which it has lain in dirt and moisture, we will find a very dirty and rusting penny – because it was not used or circulated. We bear God’s image and we belong to Him.

Now Christ has vanquished His attackers with a simple sentence! And they marvelled at him! It is one thing, apparently, to be surprised at the power and wisdom of God, and quite another to respond in faith to such wonder. These men were impressed and amazed at the wisdom of Christ in completely turning the tables on them, but they went no further. Perhaps our faith is limited to impression, as well, and not the progression to the faith that saves and sustains. Would you have more grace and wisdom? Than go to the source of the Fountainhead of Grace and Wisdom – the Holy Word of God! AMEN