Mark 12:13-17  We established earlier that Yeshua had returned to Jerusalem for the final days. The set of teachings that we are looking at is a mix of different tactics as they narrow in on how to eliminate Jesus from the equation.  In these final few chapters of teaching, we will be seeing intensified attack by the religious leaders and an intimate focus on living life according to Torah. We will also be seeing prophetic elements coming out of Torah that will look forward to the end times.

The disciples did not understand that the Messiah was destined to be killed. Prophecy stated that once the temple was rebuilt, the Messiah would soon come (Dan 9:25). Then shortly afterward The Messiah would be cut off, or quite literally die (Dan 9:26). Then war was prophesied to break out which would ultimately destroy the temple and put an end to the sacrificial offerings (Dan 9:27). This destruction was not like any other before it, since it was a complete destruction. As the clock winds down in these final chapters, we will see an intensified focus on teaching along with focused mental fencing with the teachers.

Signs and wonders are not mentioned in the final chapters of Mark. Bartimaeus, the blind man, was the final healing that Mark records (Mark 10:46-52). Perhaps the reason for mentioning him last was that the focus would be to remove the spiritual blindness that was plaguing the believers. While removing this spiritual blindness, the religious authorities would become intensely offended. Watch as we explore the teachings that come from this focus.

In the previous chapter, we looked at the final wonder. This was the cursing of the fig tree (Mark 11:13-14; 19-26). The symbolism and importance of this incident was to call judgment upon the religious system. For more information look back at the discussion on that chapter. The focus has shifted in these final chapters to intense teaching.

The Pharisees were a group of scholars who studied the scriptures and constantly focused upon right interpretation of the scriptures. Paul was a pharisee. The Herodians were a political group that supported Herod and the Roman Empire. They sought to make peace between the common people and Herod. In every society, regardless of the evil of a ruler, there are those who support the evil ruler. In American politics we often see this in graphic detail. Regardless of the nature of the president, good or bad, there are always supporters in his corner. The Pharisees and Herodians were an unlikely group to join together since they were at odds philosophically and religiously.

We have an authority present that is not mentioned, “they sent” (Mark 11:27; 12:13). This is the authority of the chief priests, scribes and elders. They appointed a group of Pharisees and Herodians to make this frontal attack on Yeshua.

This is also a passage where we can get a better picture of the word “hypocrite” or more specifically “hypocrisy” (Mark 12:15). The group of men that were sent were not asking the question of their own interest. They were sent to play a role as interested students who wanted clarification on paying taxes. A hypocrite is one who plays religion as a role but does not have his heart invested in truly wishing to follow God. This is a person who is pretending to be something that he is not. The idea of “hypocrite” is the idea of an actor playing a role for a play.

The teaching from this section is almost a “by the way” teaching. Paying taxes to king and country is a requirement of every citizen. The Hebrew people were warned of this requirement when they demanded a king like the Gentile kings (1 Sam 8:15). This commandment was a direct warning by God to the Hebrew people when they demanded a king. The requirement was so basic that arguing the reasoning behind paying taxes is totally ignored.

“Bring me a denarius”: Yeshua established that the likeness on the coin was Caesar. Caesar was king. Therefore, you pay taxes to Caesar. The rule that was set in place by Samuel still stood. A common theme through the scriptures is that God appoints the king over the people. The righteous and unrighteous, Jew and Gentile, all kings from the time of Samuel onward were appointed by God for specific purposes and focuses. The scriptures that support this permeate the Old Testament. Paul teaches specifically on government and ruling authorities (Ro 13:1-8). Yeshua simply stated that they were to pay taxes and tithes. The implication is that both are commanded by God and expected.

Why were they amazed if they understood the scriptures (Mark 12:17)? The disciples were not the only ones who recognized Yeshua as the Messiah or possibly as the Messiah. Everyone expected the Messiah to overthrow the rule of Rome and set up his own earthly kingdom. When Yeshua stated that they must pay taxes to Caesar it carried an important message. Caesar was king. Yeshua was not setting up an earthly kingdom and expected people to pay taxes to the earthly king that was set in place. The message was simple yet profound. He had no intention of throwing off Roman authority.

In the past, I considered this passage to be one of answering a trick question in a “gothcha” type of way. The deeper teaching of the question settles on the role of Yeshua as Messiah. He had no intention of setting up an earthly kingdom. God appointed the King in place. Pay taxes and pay tithes. Yeshua was not setting up a messianic kingdom on earth at that time. If He were to act they expected the Messiah to act, then one of the first orders of business would have been to throw off Roman rule. They did not understand the requirement that the Messiah must die and that total desolation would follow.

All comments and thoughts are welcomed.

Thanks,

Joe.