Mark 12:13-17 (NIV)

In our culture we often separate our faith from “the rest of life.” Sometimes this means being a Christian on Sunday but not knowing how or not allowing our faith to come with us on Monday to work, to school, or into our social life. Today’s passage has often been used to justify the separation of religion and society or church and state. And while we’ve seen some pretty terrible things happen when religion and human government become enmeshed, Jesus’ point in this passage is not to make an overarching statement about the relationship between religion and politics or society.

Ironically, in thinking this way we can end up trapping Jesus' words in the way that the Pharisees try to do in this passage. The Jews don’t want to pay taxes or acquiesce to Roman rule, but they also are hearing Jesus say that faithfulness looks like non-violent resistance. They try to catch him compartmentalizing. But he cunningly calls them out as he calls them back to their original role as God’s image bearers.

As you listen to the passage read aloud, again step into the sandals of one of the listeners. Try to imagine the scene and the characters around you.

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1. What did you hear in the passage? What stood out to you?

2. In what ways have you separated your faith life from other spheres of your life, whether on purpose or without really thinking about it?

3. Jesus gets out from under this trap by turning it back onto those who set it. Think about it. The image of Caesar is on the coin, but on what is God’s image imprinted? Yeah. Us. How insignificant do taxes seem then, when compared with our whole life? Do you believe that your whole life belongs to God? Is there any part of your life that you know you’re holding back from him? Consider that now and take it to the Lord in prayer.

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