Mark 12:14 – June 1, 2021

They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Mark 12:14 NABRE           

The religious authorities sent people to challenge Jesus, attempting to humiliate Him before the people. Jesus’ popularity has the temple leadership concerned about losing their influence over the people. They hope challenging Jesus will undermine Him. Before their question they provide a generous dose of flattery and then ask about taxes. Caesar portrayed himself as a god, the coin to pay taxes would have represented him as a god. Jews carrying a Roman coin would have been breaking God’s law. Jesus sees their flattery as hypocrisy and their true intent to create a scandal with Him at the center.

We see truth in their flattery. Jesus is a truthful man, and though not concerned with the opinion of others, is cognizant of God’s opinion and desires. Jesus does not treat people differently based on their class or social status, everyone is treated equally, with respect, love and with truth. These emissaries of the religious leadership are not interested in respecting Jesus but in many ways their words are truthful, it is their hearts that are insincere. Jesus’ enemies recognize the good traits of Jesus, shouldn’t we seek a leader to follow with these traits and want to emulate him? Jesus is not only present in our lives to bring us to a joy filled and peaceful life, but Christian or not we should see a good man and want to be like Him. 

Do you desire to be like a leader who has truthful characteristics? What would your enemies say about your characteristic? 

Jesus' enemies recognize the good traits of Jesus, shouldn't we seek a leader to follow with these traits and want to emulate him? Christian or not we should see a good man in Jesus and want to be like Him. Click To Tweet

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