Where Honor is Due (Mark 12:13-17)

February 21, 2010

I.     Honor is given according to the heart, vv. 13-15.
A.     Setting the trap.
     1.     Pharisees and Herodians joined to oppose Jesus.
          a.     Pharisees: law/tradition, opposed to Greek influence.
          b.     Herodians: political, welcomed Greek influence.
     2.     The plan was to set a trap Jesus could not escape.
          a.     Pay taxes.
                     1)     Anger Pharisees and Jewish crowds.
                     2)     Discredit Jesus as the Messiah.
          b.     Don't pay taxes.
                         1)     Anger Herodians.
                         2)     Arrest by Roman authorities.
B.     Jesus knew their hearts were not true (hypocrites).
          1.     They were not what they presented themselves to be.
               a.     Acted as if they wanted the good of the Jewish people.
               b.     The two groups had completely different ideals.
               c.     Purpose was to stop Jesus.
          2.     They had no intent to honor God.
                3.     What did they honor (value)? control, prestige, prosperity.
     C.     We all give honor according to the things we treasure.

II.     Learning to give honor in its place, vv. 16-17.
     A.     Jesus focused on duty and righteousness.
          1.     Coins bore the image of Caesar who claimed to be a god.
          2.     Give to Caesar: submit to the governing authority.
               a.     Duty to pay for benefits- peace, development, etc.
               b.     Rome only ruled because God allowed them to.
          3.     Give to God: greater life devotion belongs to God.
               a.     Jesus did not deny God's demands outrank any others.
               b.     They could submit to Rome and serve God.
     B.     The same type of message applies to today.
          1.     Our greatest responsibility is always to God.
               a.     A submissive attitude to God should cover all of life.
               b.     God is ultimately in control of all things/powers.
               c.     Commitment to God always comes first.
          2.     What does God tell us about government?
               a.     Submit to governing authorities, Romans 13:1.
               b.     Do not resist, Romans 13:2.
               c.     Government is God's servant, Romans 13:4.
               d.     Pray for the government, 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
               e.     Submission sets a good example, 1 Peter 2:13-17.

Personal Challenges
1.     What do you give greatest honor to in your life?
     a.     Where do you spend most of your time and resources?
     b.     What do you value the most?
     c.     Do you believe God has a design for your life?
2.     How well do you submit to authorities in your life?
3.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?