Caesar's Cut

Day 63: Mark 11:27-33, 12:1-17

“Jesus said to 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 12:17 ESV

The Jews in Jesus' day had their own tithes, offerings, and temple taxes that they paid. In addition to those, the Romans also had a tribute to Caesar that was enforced. The coin that Jesus handles in our reading for today, on one side, read, "Tiberius Caesar, son of divine Augustus." Jesus is definitely not affirming the divinity of Caesar.

Ben Witherington makes an interesting claim that what Jesus said was to be meant as ironic, and possibly saying, "Okay, give Caesar back these worthless pieces of metal he claims, but know that we are to render to God all things since God alone is divine and to God belong all things."

Jesus, again and again, downplays the significance of money when it is compared to the invasion of his kingdom on earth (see Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:9). When he spoke of money, it was mostly as a warning of what it can do to us if we allow it to become paramount. When we genuinely believe that God owns it all (Psalm 24:1), we will regard ourselves as mere stewards of anything we possess.

What is the best safeguard against the worship of money? Generosity. Support your local church. Fund those who are doing ministry here and abroad. Give to those in need.

The following Augustine quote is a great way to end today's post: "Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others."