Mark 12:15

Shall we giue, or shall we not giue? But he knowing their hypocrisie, said vnto them, Why tempt yee mee? Bring me a penny that I may see it. Mark 12:15 (KJV)

“Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” the Pharisees and Herodians asked. This verse is part of a larger passage known as the “Question about Paying Taxes,” where the religious leaders and scribes attempted to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. In verse 14 the Pharisees and Herodians questioned Jesus, asking whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. Their question was not motivated by a sincere desire to seek truth but rather to entrap Jesus in His words. They were attempting to force Him into a no‑win situation. However, Jesus, being fully aware of their motives and recognizing their hypocrisy, responded wisely. Knowing their hypocrisy, Jesus said, “Bring me a denarius, that I may see it.” He asked them to bring Him a denarius, a Roman coin used to pay taxes. By doing so, Jesus highlighted the coin’s image of Caesar, implicitly acknowledging Caesar’s authority over the region, and exposed their reliance on Roman currency. By responding with a request to see the coin, Jesus demonstrated His astute awareness and wisdom. He was not fooled by their deceitful questioning, and He skillfully turned the tables on them, forcing them to face the reality of their own actions and their allegiance to Caesar.

This passage reminds us of the importance of sincerity and integrity in our interactions with others. The Pharisees and Herodians were not genuinely seeking answers but were instead trying to trap Jesus. Jesus’ response challenges us to examine our own motives when we engage in conversations and discussions, encouraging us to be honest and sincere in our search for truth. Jesus’ response highlights the importance of discernment. He saw through the religious leaders’ hypocrisy and exposed their hidden motives. As believers, we should strive to develop discernment, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding the intentions and motives of others.

Finally, this passage reminds us of Jesus’ wisdom and His ability to navigate difficult situations. In the face of an apparent dilemma, Jesus skillfully redirected the question to expose the hypocrisy of His opponents. We can learn from His example and seek wisdom from Him when we encounter challenging circumstances or when we are faced with difficult questions.