Mark 12:15

New International Version (NIV)

Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

For Meditation

Loaded questions! Reporters use this tool very well. They have their agenda and their expected positions on issues, and they set out to hunt for a careless prey. The goal is always to get a popular figure to commit to a controversial position that could initiate a discussion to benefit their business. It has a noble theme – to get the facts to the people – but the undertone is something else, which is always carefully concealed. Politicians are their best target; and many are they who have ruined their careers on the sharp end of a reporter’s ‘bullet’.

The Pharisees applied this art of probation on Jesus many times. This time around, it was on the controversial issue of the imperial tax that Rome exacted on Israel. A delegation of Pharisees and Herodians went to Jesus to get His opinion on compliance: “Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” (Mk.12:15). A simple question, but loaded with malicious intent to “catch [Jesus] in His words” (13). And they concealed it very well with a cleverly-crafted commendation that could puff any proud politician or religious leader up and get them talking without restraint.

“Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity…” (14).

Have you heard that before? You know your child is up to something when they come to you with a little flower or water when you haven’t asked for any. You know your boss is dishing you a curve ball when they begin to sing your praises – usually to get you to do more. But the worse is when people come to seek your opinion which they intend to use to destroy you. That’s what we have to guard against with godly discernment and inspired wisdom to deflect and shame them.

I love Jesus! He knew their hypocrisy, so He hit back, hard: “Why are you trying to trap me?” (15b). Jesus was not a man to be evasive on questions. He got them to answer their own question and taught them a lesson that left them scratching their heads: “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (17).

Today, many people come to Christians with questions about the Gospel message. They come with the same goal the Pharisees and Herodians went to Jesus with – to catch us in our words. They have no intention for spiritual edification. We need discernment to avoid their traps and wisdom to answer the Jesus way. We cannot afford spiritual ignorance as ambassadors of Christ.

We must “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks [us] to give the reason for the hope that we have. But do it with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience” (1 Pt. 3:15-16). And, if you lack wisdom, “you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (Ja. 1:5). Good advice wherever you are and in whatever situation you may find yourself!

Shalom