Mark 12:13-17

1. Let us observe how men of different religious opinions can unite in opposing Christ.
2. Let us observe the exceeding subtlety of the question propounded to our Lord.
3. Let us observe the marvelous wisdom which our Lord showed in His answer to His enemies.

"Worldly men and formalists have little real sympathy with one another. They dislike one another's principles, and despise one anther's ways. But there is one thing which they both dislike even more, and that is the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ."

"Never does the cause of Christ suffer so much as when the devil succeeds in bringing churches into collisions and lawsuits with the civil power. In such collisions precious time is wasted--energies are misapplied--ministers are drawn off from their proper work--the souls of people suffer, and a church's victory often proves only one degree better than a defeat."

"In short, He bids the proud Pharisee not to refuse his dues to Caesar, and the worldly Herodian not to refuse his dues to God."

Questions:

1. Can you think of any examples of formalists and worldliness joining together in common hatred of the true gospel?

2. Although a great question needs to be answered regarding church and governing authorities, do we spend a great deal of time on the things of the kingdoms of the world or on the kingdom of God and His righteousness?

3. Do we willingly submit to our governing authorities out of reverence for Christ, as long as they are not calling us to disobey Christ, or do we rejoice in raising our fists at them?