Mark 12:13-17
August 2, 2015, 1st Holy day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor
August 2, 2015, 1st Holy day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor
After Jesus entered Jerusalem, several groups came to entrap him. This time, they were Pharisees and Herodians. Although they couldn't accept each other, they came to Jesus as their common enemy. "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?" Let us learn two things;
Firstly, Christians should obey the nation, and pray for the ruler. The authorities have been established by God and we receive benefits from them. Thus, Christians have a responsibility to obey the nation and pray for the ruler.
Secondly, we should put God first and obey Him. That's because God is the absolute ruler and we are receiving countless grace from Him.
The question is, which we should obey when there is a difference between the teaching of God and the nation. The Bible tells us to obey God. We must not be ambiguous at this point. When we definitely obey God, we will definitely be able to be good witnesses.
Firstly, Christians should obey the nation, and pray for the ruler. The authorities have been established by God and we receive benefits from them. Thus, Christians have a responsibility to obey the nation and pray for the ruler.
Secondly, we should put God first and obey Him. That's because God is the absolute ruler and we are receiving countless grace from Him.
The question is, which we should obey when there is a difference between the teaching of God and the nation. The Bible tells us to obey God. We must not be ambiguous at this point. When we definitely obey God, we will definitely be able to be good witnesses.
<The Verse of the Bible>
Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed at him.
Mark 12:17 (NIV)
