DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Awkward Silence
by Pr. Dave Mann
The setting of Mark 12 is this. Jesus has triumphally entered Jerusalem. In the great city, he is regularly encountering religious leaders who are trying to trap him in his words.
First, they butter him up, pretending to hold him in high honor. 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.
The issue on the table this time is a religious-political matter. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay, or shouldn’t we?” FYI: the “imperial tax” was levied against people groups conquered by Rome, but not against Roman citizens. Obviously, the tax was not popular in Jerusalem.
Jesus’ enemies think they have him this time. If he says, “No, you don’t have to pay the tax,” then they have grounds on which to get him in trouble with the Roman authorities. But if he says, “Yes, you have to pay the tax,” then the Jewish public, which is seething in anger because of Roman oppression, will abandon their loyalty to Jesus.
Jesus is not taken in by their empty flattery. He knows that he is not among honest friends. But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?”
Jesus’ response was classic. He cuts to the heart of the matter without encouraging sedition nor laying himself open for public rebuke by the people who were following him. As Jesus often did, he answered the question by posing another question, “Whose image is on a denarius?” The Pharisees and Herodians were forced to admit, “Caesar’s.” So, Jesus replies, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” You can just feel the awkward silence that followed. Then, people no doubt started snickering at Jesus' opponents. Gotcha!
As the crowd dispersed, everyone, friend and foe alike, was left to ponder, “Well, if the denarius coins belong to Caesar, what belongs to God?” The same question is posed to us. What do I have that belongs to God? Money, house, relationships, skills, talents, time,... Everything? My whole being? Jesus certainly could not have been implying that, now, could he? Or maybe that’s his point? Really?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I start this prayer in the midst of the awkward silence that followed your response to your enemies. I don’t like the feeling that I get when I can identify with Your enemies. I want to be your friend and follower. So, I intentionally welcome your response even when it makes me consider tough questions. Holy Spirit, come into my heart and reveal to me what it is in my life that belongs to you and yet I claim it as mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
