The Greater Biblical Story: It All Belongs to God

A message based on Mark 12:13-17:  Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent after Jesus to catch him in his speech.  The two groups approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, we know you are truthful and unconcerned about the opinion of others.  It is evident you aren’t swayed by another’s rank, but teach God’s way of life sincerely.  So:  is it lawful to pay tax to the emperor or not?  Are we to pay or not to pay?” Knowing their hypocrisy, Jesus said to them, “Why are you trying to trick me?  Let me see a coin.”  When they handed Jesus one, he said to them, “Whose image and inscription do you see here?”  “Caesar’s,” they answered.  Then Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s.”  This reply took them completely by surprise.