Mark wrote how, “ they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words”, and in chapter twelve and verse fourteen of his book, Mark shared how the “Pharisees and Herodians” said to Jesus, “Master, we know that you are true, and care for no man … is it lawful to give tribute … or not?” where we read:
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that you are true, and care for no man: for you regard not the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
The verse reads, “And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that you are true, and care for no man:” Mark began with the words, “and when they were come” which means “and at the time and moment the certain Pharisees and Herodians arose, appeared and came forth to Jesus”, “they say unto him” or “the Pharisees and Herodians uttered, declared and proclaimed to Jesus”, “Master” which means “teacher”, “we know that you are true” or “we the Pharisees and Herodians are certain, perceive, notice, discern and have discovered that Jesus is loving, truthful and speaking the truth”, “and care for no man” which means “and have particular concern, interest or preferential treatment for any particular person whether male or female”. Mark shared how the “Pharisees and Herodians” came to Jesus and began to make a declaration concerning His “loving and truthful speaking” without preference to any one person over another.
The verse continues, “for you regard not the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth:” Mark added the words, “for you regard not” which means “because, since and on account that Jesus did not direct His mind to, contemplate or weigh carefully” “the person of men” or “the countenance, look, outward circumstances or external condition of people whether male or female”, “but teach the way of God” which means “nevertheless, notwithstanding, nay, rather, moreover and give didactic discourse and instruction in the course of conduct, mode, means and journey belonging to the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “in truth” or “according to fact, certainty, candor of mind, pretense, simulation, falsehood or deceit”. Mark shared how the “Pharisees and Herodians” acknowledged the way Jesus did not “direct His mind” toward “people” and their ways, but rather to “God Almighty's” valid and certain doctrine.
Finally the verse says, “Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” Mark concluded this verse with the Pharisees and Herodians question to Jesus, “Is it lawful” or “is it right or according to the law” “to give tribute” which means “to grant, supply, furnish, present and deliver census or coins with which the tax is paid” “to Caesar” which refers to “the surname of Julius Caesar, which adopted by Octavius Augustus and his successors afterwards became a title, and was appropriated by the Roman emperors as part of their title whose name means severed”, “or not” which means “or not to give to Caesar”? Mark shared how the “Pharisees and Herodians” wanted Jesus to answer whether is was “right” to “pay taxes” to “Caesar” or not.
When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we discover the real reason these “leaders” came to Jesus. They believed they had a question for Jesus that would either reveal His lack of knowledge of God's word or show Him in defiance to the “Roman government”. They thought they had Him “trapped” and Jesus would not be able to answer their question concerning “taxes”. The people hated paying “tribute” to “Caesar”, and if Jesus answered they were to pay it, the people would be against Him. If Jesus answered they should not pay the “taxes”, He would defy the ruling authorities. God's desire is to have all people come to Him through His Son Jesus, and to have “faith and trust” in Him requires that all questions with the intent of “trapping” Him be put aside as they find yielding is the best response.
Next time Mark shares how the “Pharisees and Herodians” ask Jesus, “shall we give, or shall we not give?” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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