God of the Living

Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.’ And they brought one. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at him. Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, saying, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. There were seven brothers; the first married and, when he died, left no children; and the second married her and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; none of the seven left children. Last of all the woman herself died. In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven had married her.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the story about the bush, how God said to him, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is God not of the dead, but of the living; you are quite wrong.’ Mark 12:13-27

Jesus finds himself under constant questioning from those who bitterly dislike him and want to trip him up. They want to argue about money, politics and life after death. Sadly, we find ourselves still arguing about the same things. Yet Jesus helps us in this Gospel lesson today by refocusing their traps and ploys. Give to Caesar what is Ceasars and to God what is God. Live knowing there is a resurrection, and our earthly powers and rules have no control or importance there. We get so caught up in trying to win argument and power struggles, that we forget to live with compassion, justice and kindness. When we fight for power and authority, we can unintentionally give the worst folks more power. May we live our days honoring all of creation, caring for the least among us demonstrating we are people of the living God.

Gracious Creator, source of wisdom and power

you made us in your image of love and compassion

giving us a good life and an abundant garden

yet we want to be more godlike and in control.

Despite our limited vision we think we see all

despite our lack of love, we think we are right

we ache for authority despite our lack of knowledge

yet you came among the people and reside with us still.

Dear Lord, help us to be humble and kind

let us leave argument and control alone

drawing near to the least and lonely here

so that your love can be our first and final act. Amen.