Two Kingdoms

Mark 12:13 (NET) Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to trap him with his own words. 14 When they came they said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful and do not court anyone’s favor, because you show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” 15 But he saw through their hypocrisy and said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 So they brought one, and he said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.

Setting the Trap

The Pharisees and Herodians were natural enemies. They set aside their differences to oppose one whom they both perceived to be a greater enemy – Jesus. Together, they worked to trap Jesus in an infraction of the law or in a theological error.

Disguising their contempt with flattery, they came to Jesus with a question. “Teacher, we know that you are truthful and do not court anyone’s favor, because you show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” 

Jesus Perceived their Hypocrisy

Jesus saw through them. He understood they were trying to lure him into a theological debate. Rather than answering their question directly, he asked for a Roman coin.

After receiving it he asked, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” Jesus often answered a question with a question. Rather than answering directly a question meant to draw him into a useless debate, he asked a question that got to the heart of the matter.

The Heart of the Matter

The heart of the matter was the existence of two kingdoms, two realms of power. There was an earthly kingdom and an heavenly kingdom. God established both. We have a responsibility to both. Only when they are in conflict do we choose one kingdom over another.