Mark 12:13-17

• Romans 13:1

• 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Discussion questions:

1. What is the “trap” the Herodians and Pharisees lay for Jesus? How could he get into equal trouble, but with different groups, by saying, “pay your taxes” or “don’t pay your taxes”?

2. What are some ways in which our commitment to God might come into conflict with what our government's laws and leaders say? How are Christians to reconcile those conflicts?

3. The message listed three practical ways Christians today can “render to Caesar what is Caesars.” What is challenging about each of these paths forward? What are some practical steps we can take to apply/obey Jesus’ teaching more fully in these areas?

   a)  Submit to your leaders (see Romans 13:1).

   b)  Honor/respect your leaders (see 1 Peter 2:13-17).

   c)  Pray for your leaders (see 1 Timothy 2:1-3).

4. Caesar’s money bears Caesar’s image. Where is God’s image to be found? (See Genesis 1:26-27.) What does this say about what it means to “give to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17)? What are some practical ways we can do this?