(Mark 12:13-17 ESV)
So the Herodians and the Pharisees, seeking to trap Jesus came to him with a potential problem.
First they butter him up while also in a small way insulting.
We know you don't care about anyone else's opinion (insult) and aren't swayed by the externals (praise) and truly teach the way of God (praise),
Here's a question for you.
Should we pay taxes? Is it lawful for us to do so?
Jesus wasn't a dummy you know. He knew what they were up to. So he turned the question back to them.
Show me a coin he said.
They showed him one.
Whose image is on that coin?
When they told him that Caesar's image he told then to give to Caesar what was Caesar's and give to God what was God's.
They marvelled at his answer.
I have to admit that in my humanity I think.. well DUH! I don't truly understand why this would be a trick question. Paying taxes makes sense to me EVEN IF I don't like how the government spends my money, I still see the value in it. Why would they think that Jesus' wouldn't?
Were they hoping to catch him in treason? Would it even be treason to say don't pay your taxes?
I am glad that Jesus didn't allow himself to be tricked by them. And I think his way of answering them was an excellent one. But I struggle to see the greater significance of this passage. So I went looking for answers.
I thought this answer intriguing:.
Give your lives to God.
They aren't exclusive.
Live your life in such a way that shows God's glory.