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Our Attitude Toward Human Authority
Mark 12:13-17
Mari Ikeda
A. Three different attitudes toward Rome (13-14)
13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?
1. We should not pay taxes
2. We have no choice but to pay taxes
3. We should pay taxes
B. What Jesus teaches (15-17)
15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.
1. Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s (Romans 13:1-7)
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
2. Give back to God what is God’s (Romans 12:1-2)
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Summary
Human authority figures exist to suppress human sin and to preserve social order. As members of society, we have a role to play in obeying laws and policy’s for the good of society. It is important to remember, however, that human authority figures are also human beings who are prone to sin. God is the only perfect authority. As members of God’s kingdom, we have a duty to keep human authority in check and to do God’s will in the world. In order to keep human sin in check and to bring God’s justice and love into this world, each of us needs to start by examining our own actions as individuals.
For Discussion (Especially in this time of turmoil with the spread of coronavirus)
- What does it mean to keep human authority in check? Many governments have now established policies that temporarily curtail individual freedoms. How should we think about that?
- What does it mean to be a living sacrifice in our time?