COMMENTARY ON M ARK
LESSON NUMBER 128
“ Mark 12:12 And they sought to lay hold on Him, but feared the people: for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them: and they left Him, and went their way. 13 And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. 14 And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, we know that Thou art true, and carest for no man: for Thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye Me? bring Me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And He saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto Him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at Him.”
(Mark 12:12-17; Matthew 21:45; 22:15-22; Luke 20:19-26)
A WISE ANSWER TO A CRAFTY QUESTION
INTRODUCTION
As the time when Jesus will lay down His life draws nearer, the opposition against Him increases. Now, His enemies become more aggressive, and the potential distractions become more numerous. All of this is by design. Prior to this, because Christ’s “hour had not yet come” (John 2:4; John 7:30; 8:20), efforts against Him were frustrated. Because of this, His enemies were more hesitant to press their opposition against Him, for they “feared Him” because the people were astonished at His doctrine (Mk 11:18). Even in this text, they drew back from their opposition “because they feared the people” (Mk 12:12; Lk 20:19). Yet, that fear appears to be diminishing, as they will become more bold in their opposition to him. Their efforts to snare Him will increase as they employ all manner of craftiness against Him. However, this is only due to the nearness of the hour, when God will allot a period of time to the powers of darkness to do their worst. In this, we catch a glimpse of the scope of Jesus laying down His life. This was not confined to His death on the cross, but included submitting to be vulnerable to His enemies. He allowed them to approach more frequently, for He knew that His death was going to be fulfilled by the very people among whom He had ministered. Yet, none of this turned the Lord from His mission, as He maintained a sound and focused mind.
THEY KNEW HE HAD SPOKEN AGAINST THEM
“ Mark 12:12 And they sought to lay hold on Him, but feared the people: for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them: and they left Him, and went their way.”
Behold how the truth Jesus has spoken agitates His enemies! Also, behold also how Jesus has no concern about it. He is “meek and lowly in heart,” but not before those who have no appetite for the truth. He invites people to come and learn from Him – but no such invitation is given to these men. That belongs to those who “labor and are heavy laden” (Matt 11:28). One’s quest to reach the lost must be tempered with this understanding, else there will be a temptation to modify the truth in order to please men.
THEY SOUGHT TO LAY HOLD ON HIM. The “they” of this text are “the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders” who had questioned Him (Mk 11:27). These were the Temple authorities, and Jesus was, they thought, in their domain. In seeking some way to “lay hold of Him,” these men were trying to find a reason to arrest Him, and get Him out of the public limelight. He was disrupting their sway over the people, and impacting upon their religious careers. Further, they could not deal with Him in the public, so they sought some means to sequester Him, so they could do what they wanted to do with Him. These efforts started earlier – about midway through Christ’s ministry (John 7:25,30,44). Now, these efforts are accelerating.
The very fact that they had to seek to do this is a commentary on the marvelous power of Jesus. It is as though His glory formed a buffer zone around Him, so that none could put a hand upon Him until He consented for such a thing to happen. And, indeed, the time will come when He will do this – the time when the “hour” would come when He was to lay down His life, making Himself vulnerable to the powers of darkness and wicked men. However, until that time came, the best His enemies could do was make vain attempts to remove Him from the people.
THEY FEARED THE PEOPLE. They “feared the people” because they were all “astonished at” Christ’s “doctrine” (Mk 11:18). That is, His teaching stood out above everything they had heard from others, and they were attracted to it. John the Baptist had paved the way for this response, himself standing out as a prophet among the people (Mk 11:32). In so doing, he was preparing the way for the Lord with a message. Here is an example of the earth helping the woman, as depicted in Revelation 12:16. That is, those who heard the words of Jesus were used by God to hold back the intentions of wicked men.
THEY KNEW! The reason for their hostility is that “they knew that He had spoken the parable against them.” Matthew reads, “they perceived that He spake of them” (Matt 21:45). Luke reads, “for they perceived that He had spoken this parable against them” (Luke 20:19). Jesus had not mentioned them, and yet they knew He was speaking about them. They were “the husbandmen” who had rejected the servants of God, and would even kill His Son. Like a sharp two-edged sword, Christ’s words had deciphered the thoughts and intents of their hearts, even dividing asunder the soul and the spirit, so that the secrets of their hearts were exposed.
These men were hard-hearted, but they were not unintelligent. Their hearts were corrupt, and yet they were not incapable of drawing valid conclusions. While others “wondered at His gracious words” (Lk 4:22), they were convicted by them. In intention, they were like “brute beasts” (Jude 1:10), but according to appearance they were religious dignitaries and scholars of the Scriptures.
There is a vast difference between intellectualism and spiritual discernment. Those who operate with only natural abilities can see a lot, but not enough to be saved. They can conclude many things, but not the essential things. They know enough to understand Jesus is against them, but cannot do anything about it, and do not even care to do so. I have personally known several people in this category. They know enough to understand when the truth is exposing them, yet it only makes them more determined to get rid of the truth, like these men sought to get rid of Jesus.
This is the danger of religious scholars – scribes – rising to ascendency within the church. When scholarship and position become of paramount importance, the church has fallen upon hard times. Scribes and Pharisees could not manage the truth in Jesus’ day, and they cannot do so today. It requires men of purity of heart, who have a love of the truth, and are engaging in a quest to lay hold on eternal life, to properly lead the people.
THEY LEFT HIM AND WENT THEIR WAY. The words are almost identical to what is said of Satan when he had failed in his temptation of Jesus: “Then the devil leaveth Him” (Matt 4:11), and “And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed fromHim for a season” (Luke 4:13). Like the devil, they did not change their minds, but left in frustration to regroup and prepare for another assault. Christ’s presence was making them worse and worse. They were perishing, and Jesus was bringing their destiny to the surface, exposing their hearts, yet not changing them – giving them things to see, yet not comprehend.
SHALL WE GIVE TRIBUTE TO CAESAR OF NOT?
“ 13 And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in his words. 14 And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, we know that Thou art true, and carest for no man: for Thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15a Shall we give, or shall we not give?”
TEMPTATION BY PROXY. Having failed in their attempts to snare the Lord, the chief priests, scribes, and elders now send representatives to speak for them – temptation by proxy. The strange blend of the group they sent betrays the nature of false religion. The group consisted of representatives from the Pharisees, and from the Herodians. The Pharisees were religious ascetics – like monks, who led a separated life, and had a penchant for strict rules and a hard-and-fast disciplined life. Paul referred to the Pharisees as “the strictest sect of our religion” NKJV (Acts 26:5). Little is known of the Herodians. Yet, as their name implies, they were primarily a political sect. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says of them: “They were not a religious sect, but, as the name implies, a court or political party, supporters of the dynasty of Herod. Nothing is known of them beyond what the Gospels state. Whatever their political aims, they early perceived that Christ's pure and spiritual teaching on the kingdom of God was irreconcilable with these, and that Christ's influence with the people was antagonistic to their interests.” A strange set of bedfellows, indeed – the strictest religious sect, and a highly partisan political sect, joining together in opposition to Christ. The reason is that He preached a Kingdom that threatened them both. Early in Christ’s ministry the Pharisees took counsel with the Herodians against Jesus, how they might kill Him (Mk 3:6). Now, the Temple authorities employ this motley group to aid them in their diabolical purpose. Luke says these men were “spies, which should feign themselves just men” (Lk 20:20).
TO CATCH HIM IN HIS WORDS. They seek to trap Jesus in His words – to tie Him up in technicalities so He will say something foolish. Luke says they “sought to take hold of His words, so they might deliver Him unto the power and authority of the governor” (Lk 20:20). They are not seeking to justify their own religious traditions, but now seek to drag the cause into the political court – to get Jesus to say something that will show He is opposed to the Roman government. That will justify the involvement of the government in their cause.
A GLOWING INTRODUCTION. They must have worked a while on their introduction, for it is a remarkable one. They will appeal to religious pride, which was so dominant among themselves. They address Him as a teacher – “Master,” or Teacher. They appeal to His character – “we know Thou art true, and carest for no man.” They laud Him for having proper motives – “for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth.” Luke reads, “Thou sayest and teachest rightly . . . but teachest the way of God truly” (Lk 20:21). The psalmist spoke of men who “flatter with their tongue” (Psa 5:9). That is, they entice in order to gain a wicked advantage. Elsewhere the Psalmist says, “Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto Him with their tongues” (Psa 78:36). Like the woman possessed by a spirit of divination, they said the right words, but for the wrong reason (Acts 16:17). These men thought Jesus was like themselves. Thus, if they appealed to His pride, He would weaken, and say something foolish, or in haste. If they weakened Him by bragging on Him, they could bring Him into their court, where they could gain an advantage over Him. A foolish thought, indeed. Yet, the flesh cannot reason in any other way.
SHOULD WE, OR SHOULD WE NOT? Since the nation was being occupied by the Romans, taxes, or tribute, would be a good subject. Here is an area, they reasoned, where they could get Jesus to say He was not in favor of supporting Rome. After all, He had spoken of another Kingdom, and surely this was an area where He would come out against the governing politic of the land. “Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?” Matthew says they asked, “What thinkest Thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” (Matt 22:17). Surely they have the Lord trapped now – “Yes or no!” One or the other. If Jesus says, “Yes,” He will appear as a bad Jew, and one whose answer contradicted His teaching about God’s Kingdom. If He says “No,” He will be seen as a political rebel and insurrectionist, and thus subject to arrest and questioning by the authorities of Rome. So far as the flesh is concerned, the question has been thought out well, and cannot possibly be ignored. After all, it is a public question. Surely it will force Jesus to so divulge Himself before the multitude that He will be seen as inconsistent. Either He is an inconsiderate Jew, or a rebellious subject of the Roman Empire – and either one will serve His enemies well. Will the report go out that Jesus is advocating submission to Rome, or that He is promoting resistance to it? They think they have Jesus cornered.
However, all questions cannot be answered with a simple “Yes” or “No.” There are questions that require a discerning answer, not an impulsive one. A good answer must be supported by sound reason, bringing no reproach upon God, or those He has ordained.
GIVE IT BACK TO THE ONE WHOSE IMAGE IT BEARS
“ 15b But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye Me? bring Me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And He saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto Him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at Him.”
KNOWING THEIR HYPOCRISY. Matthew says Jesus perceived “their wickedness” (Matt 20:18). Luke says He perceived “their craftiness” (Lk 20:23). A naive person might imagine these men were very sincere, for they feigned themselves to be “just men,” using all of right words, taking the proper approach, and framing their question as though they were interested in what was right. Such an appearance, however, was pretentious, and there was not an ounce of truth in it. Jesus knew their hypocrisy. They were just acting, for so the word hypocrisy means. They were wearing a religious mask, pretending to be men who wanted to do what was right before God. But that is not the kind of men they were, and Jesus knew it.
Scripture confirms God’s total intolerance of hypocrites – those who pretend they have an interest in the Lord, yet, in fact, do not. Isaiah emphatically declares that such people will not receive mercy (Isa 9;17). Jesus said hypocrites drew nigh to God with their mouth, but their hearts were far from Him (Matt 15:7-8). He said they had a portion in Hell, where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt 24:51). Paul said that the departure from the faith – spiritual Babylon – would be attended by speaking “lies in hypocrisy” – that is, maintaining a religious appearance, while giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Tim 4:1-2).
WHY TEMPT YE ME? Why are you putting me to the test? Why are you testing me to see what I will say? Why are you scrutinizing Me? Their own Law stated, “thou shalt not tempt the Lord your God” (Deut 6:16). That is, You shall not provoke the Lord by trying His patience, or attempting to do things that are not well pleasing His sight. When men venture into forbidden areas, imagining God will protect them, they are tempting Him. These men, even though they are standing before the Master Teacher tempt Him with a question, the answer of which they have already determined for themselves.
BRING ME A PENNY. Jesus asks for a coin to be brought to Him. If He possessed a lot of money, as some allege, this would not have been necessary. Other versions read “denarius” (which is a transliteration, for there is no English equivalent for this word). This was the principal silver coin of the Roman empire. As to its monetary value, it is generally understood to have been equivalent to a day’s wages, as indicated in Matthew 20:2. Here, however, the value is not the point.
WHOSE IS THE IMAGE? Jesus asks them whose image, or likeness, is on the coin, and whose superscription, or name, is inscribed on the coin. At the right is a reproduction of the kind of coin that was given to Jesus, bearing both the image and name of the Emperor, Tiberius Caesar Augustus, who was the Emperor at the time of our text. He is mentioned in Luke 3:1.
RENDER UNTO CAESAR. “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's.” To “render” means to give, restore or yield back. In other words, the thing bearing the image belongs to the one whose image it bears. This is the principle of all money or coinage. It is owned by the one whose image and name it bears. The question, therefore, was a foolish question, for the money belonged to Caesar in the first place. If you have ever wondered why you should pay taxes, this is the answer to your question.
RENDER UNTO GOD. Now, Jesus takes occasion to point out their utter hypocrisy. They are to render, or give back to God, the things that belong to Him. And what are those things? The persons themselves are what is to be given, for they bear “the image of God” (Gen 1:27; 9:6). They also bear His superscription, or name, in that they have been purchased, and do not belong to themselves (1 Cor 6:19). This once and for all throws down the imagination that men are free outside of Christ. God has made them, and He has purchased them. His image is upon them, and they are obligated to Him in every way. They are in His world, and are being sustained by His power. What pretension it is, therefore, for them to live as though He did not exist.
THEY MARVELED AT HIM. The questioners were nonplused by Christ’s answer. Mark says they “marveled,” or were astounded, at it. Matthew says “they left Him, and went their way” (Matt 22:22). Luke says “they could not take hold of His words before the people: and they marveled at His answer, and held their peace” (Luke 20:26). He exposed their ignorance, as well as their hypocrisy. He left them speechless, with nothing more to say.
It ought to be noted that those who seek answers to life’s perplexing problems, ought to seek first to know the proper questions. It is not on the part of wisdom to come to Jesus with all kinds of questions. That kind of posture suggests that Jesus has not been seen correctly. He is primarily a Teacher, not an Answerer – which means, He has a message to deliver.