Jesus’s critics are at it again. This time they employ cunning and flattery to attempt to trap Jesus in his words.

They bring up the question of taxation. Should God’s people pay taxes to the foreigners occupying their land? Answer yes and Jesus would rapidly lose support of the people. Say no and he would land himself in hot water with the Roman authorities.

But Jesus replies to his enemies with devastating brilliance – ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’

How we handle money requires a clear understanding of these two basic realms – the kingdom of Caesar and the kingdom of God. A follower of Jesus is a citizen of both realms and so has responsibilites and opportunities within each.

In this message we see:

• How to live well in the kingdom of Caesar
• How to live well in the kingdom of God
• How to avoid harmful polarisation

Main Text

Mark 12:13-17

Preacher

David Varney, pastor Foundation Church Belfast