Note for 20250128 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ - Part 56 - Mark 12 - Render Unto Caesar
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
According to Mark
Read Through The Bible
“As it Happened” Bible Reading Plan
Day 073
Deuteronomy 8 to 10
Part 56 - Mark 12 - Render Unto Caesar
The Audio Version of today’s note
Mark 12:13-27 KJV
[13] And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. [14] And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Cæsar, or not? [15] 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. [16] And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Cæsar's. [17] And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. [18] Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, [19] Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. [20] Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. [21] And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. [22] And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. [23] In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife. [24] And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? [25] For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. [26] And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? [27] He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
https://bible.com/bible/1/mrk.12.13-27.KJV
Note for 20250128
Interestingly, in our reading, we read of 3 factions coming to Christ to test Him. Furthermore, it appears from the text that the Pharisees and Herodians had some coalition in this matter. It is either that, or that there were Pharisees that were also of Herod's Party. Jip, you are looking at political parties, as we would call it today, identified by their religion and/or their leaning in matters. Like the Scribes, they were for the literal law and did not believe in the resurrection or spiritual matter, while the Pharisees did. The Herodians, of course, standing for the sake of Herod, you can say they were Caesar's worshippers. What is really interesting, is that all three of these groups are vastly different from Christ. They stood for the doctrine of men, the laws and statues as concluded by the hearts and minds of carnal men, while Jesus stood for the Truth of GOD, even as The Word of GOD.
Now, from the heading you will know that this note is about rendering to Caesar what is his, and to GOD what is His. Caesars is identified by a very specific mark, that is that his image is made upon the penny. What is the first commandment again? Jip, I said it, it is marked in a transgression of the first law of GOD. Now imagine all the worshipping of money?
But, what is GOD'S? What that is of man, has no start with something of GOD'S? Where did the metal come from for the coin? Who made the coin? In fact, name me one thing that started without being part first of GOD'S creation. Anything of man, or of Satan, is that which was GOD'S first and somehow changed and corrupted from its original state. Was Satan himself not an angel of GOD first? So, what must be rendered unto GOD? That's right, all that is not corrupted, even so man must repent of his corruption to be brought back to perfection by the Sacrifice of Jesus, before we can come into the presence of GOD and live.
Furthermore, the second part of the scripture actually explains this. For when man "dies" he becomes like the angels, not taken or given in marriage. Tell me again how man was created at first, male and female; with the breath of GOD in them making them a living soul. (Genesis 2:7) It is there after that GOD separates the woman from the man, so man could have a helper. Yes, even I am amazed, for these things soon come to a state of consideration that exceeds my contemplation and understanding. It is a matter that is too high for me. When the partial and temporary returns to a state of eternal. My hope is to return to a state that pleases GOD, without corruption or the mark of man. What then is self-image? What is the regard that a man has for himself? How then are we known by mankind, how are we described? What is the mark of man that is placed upon us, in which image do we stand and how are we known; as who and what?
These three factions are known by their position on matters and their affiliations. So too, were those that followed Jesus Christ, known as His disciples. Are we a man or a woman, a child or a parent; what is then of GOD, and what is of man? Is man himself not of GOD? And then reassigned by personal choice and affiliation?
What of Jesus Christ? Is He not called the Son of GOD? And from His genealogy, did we not see in the Book of Luke that He is also the son of Adam, who is named as the Son of GOD? If the Holy Spirit of GOD is then the Mark of GOD, to whom do we belong? I come to you by reason, I state a case for GOD. But, would this not be true whether I was born or not?
GOD, the Creator; the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is not the GOD of the dead but the living. So too can we see that the scribes are schooled by Jesus on the truth, for they did not believe in the resurrection. Shall I now ask a question that might just be too profound for consideration. At what point does the resurrection take place, if these patriarchs of Israel are spoken of as the living? Did Christ not speak of Abraham in the parable of Lazarus the rich man? For now, in our current state and knowledge, it is better to be humble and admit how far we are falling short of the Glory of GOD. That which is GOD'S, render it unto Him. By Whose Word and breath do I live? What made me a living soul?
So, my word and life belongs to GOD, I will render it unto him. Man can keep his marks, but all of creation comes from GOD. And if then of GOD, then GOD will sustain it as long as it pleases Him. I am okay with that, because it exists in the Truth of GOD. What more might the Creator bring? As much as pleases Him, even the state of me, with His mark upon me. On that Cross, Christ died for more than just me.
Selah, Shalom
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Proverbs 1:7 KJV
[7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.1.7.KJV
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