Navigating Authority: Our Allegiance to God and Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series in the book of Mark, focusing on Mark chapter 12. This chapter is part of the final week of Jesus's life, leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. We discussed four significant events: Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, the cursing of the fig tree, the cleansing of the temple, and the ongoing conflict over Jesus's authority. These events set the stage for today's passage, where Jesus is questioned about paying taxes to Caesar.
The Pharisees and Herodians, two groups with different values but united in their opposition to Jesus, try to trap Him with a question about paying the imperial tax. Jesus's response, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's," is profound. It highlights the moral obligation to obey authority while also emphasizing our ultimate allegiance to God.
We explored three key points from this passage. First, there is a moral obligation to obey authority. Jesus's use of the word "give back" implies a debt, indicating that we owe something to the government. Second, obedience to authority does not necessarily conflict with obedience to God. Jesus shows that we can fulfill our responsibilities to both. Third, Christians are called to discern what is owed to authority. This requires thoughtful consideration and wrestling with complex issues.
Ultimately, the failure of the religious leaders to recognize Jesus as the Messiah led to their failure in discernment. Our primary allegiance should be to Jesus, and when He is at the center of our lives, it helps us navigate issues of authority and obedience. As we prepare to take communion, let us remember that our ultimate loyalty is to Jesus, who gave His life for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Moral Obligation to Obey Authority: Jesus's response to the question about paying taxes underscores a moral obligation to obey authority. The use of the term "give back" implies a debt, indicating that we owe something to the government. This obligation is not merely legal but moral, reflecting a broader principle of respecting established authority. [43:24]
2. Obedience to Authority and God: Jesus demonstrates that obedience to earthly authority does not necessarily conflict with obedience to God. Each has its own realm of responsibility, and within those realms, we can fulfill our duties to both. This dual obligation is further explained in passages like Romans 13:1 and Titus 3:1-2, which affirm that all authority is established by God. [46:53]
3. Discernment in Obedience: Christians are called to discern what is owed to authority. This requires thoughtful consideration and wrestling with complex issues. The story of Peter in Acts 3 illustrates the need for discernment when deciding whether to obey God or human authorities. This discernment is crucial for living faithfully in a complex world. [48:26]
4. Ultimate Allegiance to Jesus: The failure of the religious leaders to recognize Jesus as the Messiah led to their failure in discernment. Our primary allegiance should be to Jesus, and when He is at the center of our lives, it helps us navigate issues of authority and obedience. Jesus deserves our complete loyalty, love, and devotion, far beyond any earthly authority. [52:02]
5. Communion as a Reminder: Taking communion is a powerful reminder of our allegiance to Jesus. It symbolizes our recognition of His sacrifice and our commitment to His kingdom. As we partake in communion, we are reminded that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and our loyalty belongs to Jesus, who gave His life for us. [01:08:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:25] - Introduction to Mark Chapter 12
[23:53] - The Structure and Purpose of Mark's Gospel
[25:23] - Four Key Events Leading to Today's Passage
[28:25] - The Pharisees and Herodians' Trap
[29:56] - The Question of Paying Taxes
[31:30] - The Historical Context of the Imperial Tax
[33:05] - The Hypocrisy of the Questioners
[36:25] - Jesus's Profound Response
[40:03] - Understanding the Audience's Perspective
[43:24] - Moral Obligation to Obey Authority
[46:53] - Obedience to Authority and God
[48:26] - Discernment in Obedience
[52:02] - Ultimate Allegiance to Jesus
[01:08:43] - Communion as a Reminder
[01:10:28] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Communion
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 12:13-17: "Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, 'Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?' But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. 'Why are you trying to trap me?' he asked. 'Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.' They brought the coin, and he asked them, 'Whose image is this? And whose inscription?' 'Caesar’s,' they replied. Then Jesus said to them, 'Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.' And they were amazed at him."
2. Romans 13:1: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
3. Titus 3:1-2: "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."
### Observation Questions
1. What groups came together to question Jesus about paying taxes, and why was this significant? [29:56]
2. How did Jesus respond to the question about paying the imperial tax, and what was the reaction of the crowd? [36:25]
3. What does the term "give back" imply in Jesus's response about paying taxes? [38:12]
4. According to Romans 13:1, who establishes governing authorities?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus's response to the question about paying taxes was considered profound and amazed the crowd? [36:25]
2. How does Romans 13:1 help us understand Jesus's teaching about the relationship between obedience to earthly authorities and obedience to God?
3. In what ways does Titus 3:1-2 expand on the idea of being subject to rulers and authorities, and how does this relate to Jesus's teaching in Mark 12?
4. How does the failure of the religious leaders to recognize Jesus as the Messiah affect their discernment and actions? [52:02]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between obeying an earthly authority and following God's command. How did you navigate that situation, and what did you learn from it? [48:26]
2. Jesus emphasized a moral obligation to obey authority. How do you currently view your responsibilities to governmental authorities, and does this align with Jesus's teaching? [43:24]
3. In what ways can you practice discernment in your daily life to determine what is owed to earthly authorities and what is owed to God? [48:26]
4. How can you ensure that your primary allegiance remains with Jesus, especially when faced with complex issues of authority and obedience? [52:02]
5. Communion serves as a reminder of our allegiance to Jesus. How can you make this practice more meaningful in your life, and what steps can you take to keep Jesus at the center of your decisions? [01:08:43]
6. Consider the responsibilities and obligations you have as a citizen of your country. Are there areas where you need to improve in fulfilling these duties, and how can you do so in a way that honors God? [57:17]
7. Reflect on your role as a citizen of God's kingdom. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your loyalty and devotion to Jesus above all else? [01:01:57]
Devotional
Day 1: The Moral Obligation to Obey Authority
Description: Jesus's response to the question about paying taxes to Caesar underscores a profound moral obligation to obey authority. By using the term "give back," Jesus implies that there is a debt owed to the government, indicating that our obligation to obey is not merely legal but also moral. This principle reflects a broader understanding of respecting established authority as part of our duty as citizens. Jesus's teaching here is not just about taxes but about recognizing the legitimacy of earthly authorities and our responsibilities towards them. [43:24]
Romans 13:1-2 (ESV): "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."
Reflection: Think about a specific law or regulation that you find challenging to follow. How can you shift your perspective to see this as a moral obligation rather than just a legal one?
Day 2: Balancing Obedience to Authority and God
Description: Jesus demonstrates that obedience to earthly authority does not necessarily conflict with obedience to God. Each has its own realm of responsibility, and within those realms, we can fulfill our duties to both. This dual obligation is further explained in passages like Romans 13:1 and Titus 3:1-2, which affirm that all authority is established by God. Jesus's teaching helps us understand that our responsibilities to earthly authorities and to God can coexist without conflict when properly discerned. [46:53]
Titus 3:1-2 (ESV): "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people."
Reflection: Identify a situation where you feel torn between obeying earthly authority and following God's commands. How can you navigate this situation in a way that honors both?
Day 3: Discernment in Obedience
Description: Christians are called to discern what is owed to authority, requiring thoughtful consideration and wrestling with complex issues. The story of Peter in Acts 3 illustrates the need for discernment when deciding whether to obey God or human authorities. This discernment is crucial for living faithfully in a complex world, where not all situations are black and white. It involves prayer, seeking wisdom, and sometimes making difficult choices that align with God's will. [48:26]
Acts 5:29 (ESV): "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision where you had to choose between following human authority and God's direction. What steps did you take to discern the right course of action, and what did you learn from the experience?
Day 4: Ultimate Allegiance to Jesus
Description: The failure of the religious leaders to recognize Jesus as the Messiah led to their failure in discernment. Our primary allegiance should be to Jesus, and when He is at the center of our lives, it helps us navigate issues of authority and obedience. Jesus deserves our complete loyalty, love, and devotion, far beyond any earthly authority. Recognizing Jesus as the ultimate authority helps us prioritize our actions and decisions in a way that honors Him above all else. [52:02]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle to place Jesus at the center. What practical steps can you take today to ensure that your allegiance to Him is reflected in your actions and decisions?
Day 5: Communion as a Reminder
Description: Taking communion is a powerful reminder of our allegiance to Jesus. It symbolizes our recognition of His sacrifice and our commitment to His kingdom. As we partake in communion, we are reminded that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and our loyalty belongs to Jesus, who gave His life for us. This act of remembrance helps us refocus our lives on Jesus and renew our commitment to live according to His teachings and example. [01:08:43]
1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: As you prepare to take communion, reflect on the significance of Jesus's sacrifice for you. How does this act of remembrance influence your daily life and your commitment to His kingdom?
Quotes
1. "You remember Mark presents Jesus as being both the preacher of the gospel. He's the one sharing the good news, but Jesus is more than just the presenter of the gospel. He is the gospel. He is the good news. It's his arrival on the scene that changes history. Literally, Mark presents the story of Jesus as this cataclysmic worldwide event that Jesus, his arrival is going to change everything." [23:53] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus was signifying that his arrival as the Messiah was also God's mark of judgment on the Jewish people for their denial and rejection of him as their savior. He was saying that just as he cursed the fig tree, so the symbol of fig tree is Israel. So God has basically now bringing judgment." [25:23] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He comes in with anger and the temple had become a place of business and commerce. And so he drives those people out and he doesn't do any long-term transformation. It's a symbol because it's like, literally, it's like a crazy guy running around on the Bay Bridge in the middle of traffic, right? He shuts everything down for two hours to make a statement, right? To show his banner or whatever it is. And then a few hours later, everybody's back. All the business is back. But he was making a statement." [26:48] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus spoke this to real people and they heard something based on their culture and their language, how they understood it. And of course, over 2,000 years of time, language changes, culture changes. And so there's value in studying it. What is it that these people understood and heard? The second step is now once we know what they heard, now we can say, what does it mean? What do the words say? What does it mean?" [40:03] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There is a moral obligation to obey authority. I see this in two reasons. One, you know how they were flattering Jesus. He's a man of integrity. He doesn't fear the people. He's going to speak the truth. All of that is true about Jesus. And if Jesus wanted to say, don't pay the tax, Jesus would have said, don't pay the tax. He was not afraid of saying the wrong thing because it was unpopular." [41:38] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus is saying that obedience to authority does not necessarily conflict with obedience to God. You know, sometimes we think black and white. It's either or. Either you're fully going to follow God or you're going to follow the government. Jesus seems to imply in this situation that you can do both. You can obey God and you can obey the government. Each one has its own realm or sphere of responsibility, and within the sphere of responsibility, you should go with the program." [45:02] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Christians are called to discern what is owed to authority. Now, notice this. He says, give back to Caesar what Caesar is owed. How would you know what you owe to Caesar? Well, you're going to have to think about that. You're going to have to wrestle with that. It's not black and white. You may wrestle with it and come to the conclusion that it's not black and white. It's not black and white. You may wrestle with it and come to the conclusion that it's not black and white." [48:26] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "What are your responsibilities and obligations as a citizen of God's kingdom? You see, this is the one that we'll study this passage, and we will completely miss the forest from the tree. The tree is right in front of me. I need to submit and obey authorities. But notice this, it says, give to Caesar what Caesar deserves, and give to God. It is usually our inability to answer the third question that causes us the problems with the second question." [01:01:57] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Which kingdom is getting more of your attention? You know, I'm probably the worst, at this. Get all wrapped up in politics, economics, building my kingdom, my plans. Usually, I care about the politics and the economics when they mess up my plans. So really, my issue with the government, or whatever it is, is because they've messed up my plans, right? And so what I care about most is my plans." [01:04:03] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When we trusted Jesus as our savior, if you've made him the Lord of your life, then his kingdom should be getting a lot more attention than the kingdom of this world. Which kingdom's getting more of your attention? What matters? What drives your thoughts, your feelings? What makes for a good or bad day? Is it because your candidate's going to win, or you think he's going to win, or she's going to win? Is it because they passed a new law that you agree with?" [01:05:39] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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