Jesus – The Radical Rabbi & Politician
SCRIPTURE: Mark 12: 13-17
Intro: Jesus authority (Luke 20:2) was under challenge; and now his political versus religious affiliations questioned (Luke 23:2)
Jesus
Judas, the Galilean
1. The Simplistic Question (vs 13-14)
a) The interesting blend of accusers (vs 13a)
b) Their purpose – to trap (vs 13b)
c) The smoke (vs 14a)
d) The either : or question. Yes or no? (vs 14b)
2. The Unexpected Answer (vs 15-17b)
a) Jesus’ insight (vs15a, Deut 6:16; Rev. 12:10)
b) ‘The King without a quarter’ (vs 15b)
c) Inscription on the coin and its implication (vs 16)
d) ‘A citizen owes his/her duty to the State’ (vs 17a, Rom 13:1-7, I Pet 2:13-17)
3. The Revolutionary Challenge (vs 17c)
a) ‘What has the image of God, give back to God’ (vs 17b, Gen 1:26-27)
b) The clashes of the Kingdoms (John 18:36, Acts 5:29)
c) The superiority of God’s Kingdom (Acts 5:29, Luke 6:24-26)
The values clash – power, success, comfort and recognition
d) The societal change God brings about is through the hearts, and not through the expected political activism
Conclusion – Till there is spiritual revival, societies will continue decaying
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Dec_11_2011
