Devotion - Wednesday, September 13

Mark 12:13-27 retells the encounter in which Jesus is asked about paying taxes to Caesar.  His reply is often used by those who want to say that Christians have no role in political affairs.  This encounter can be interpreted many ways.

Jesus asks whose image is imprinted on the Roman coin.  He then says to give to Caesar that which is Caesar's, and to God that which is God's.  Jesus trivializes the proposed importance and power of Caesar - appropriately.

We read about Caesar, but there is nothing left of the nation Caesar sought to establish and rule.

Modern day Christians need to be familiar with Mark 12.  And we need to hear the message Jesus shares.  Too often, we allow ourselves to forget the image we bear and the temporal nature of all kingdoms.  We belong to God; not to some current form of government or political ideology.