Daily Devotional for Friday, October 27

The Paying of the Tribute

“Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s,” Mark 12:15, 16.

Tax season usually gives a feeling of anticipation or a feeling of dread. Either way tax season is not looked forward to because of the time and cost it takes to get everything together. Paying taxes is everyone’s responsibility. Jesus Himself does not want you to neglect this.

This question was asked because His opponents were trying to ensnare Jesus so they would have added defense against Him. The first thing they did was try to flatter Him with compliments. They called Him Master and said He was true. They did not even believe their own words but were putting on the charm. They also said He taught the ways of God, which He did, but they did not believe that either.

How easy it is for people to get caught up with flattering words. Compliments are nice but they can also be used in a manipulative way. Because you like what you hear, it is easy to give people what they want. Discernment is important and is possible through the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Jesus knew their hypocrisy, so He knew how to answer them.

In verse 14 they said to Jesus He did not regard man but taught the ways of God. This is true, but Jesus never broke a law and did not encourage others to do so. In fact, He taught to obey the government and this is admonished throughout Scripture.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Sometimes it is hard to put up with the government and the things it does. Be a witness to others by submitting to the law until the law prevents you from serving the Lord, then serve the Lord.

Karry Irizarry