The Reflection of His Inscription

Scripture(s): Mark 12-13:16 - Amplified

But they sent some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to Him for the purpose of entrapping Him in His speech. And they came up and said to Him, Teacher, we know that You are sincere and what You profess to be, that You cannot lie, and that You have no personal bias for anyone; for You are not influenced by partiality and have no regard for anyone's external condition or position, but in [and on the basis of] truth You teach the way of God. Is it lawful (permissible and right) to give tribute (poll taxes) to Caesar or not? Should we pay [them] or should we not pay [them]? But knowing their hypocrisy, He asked them, Why do you put Me to the test? Bring Me a coin (a denarius), so I may see it. And they brought [Him one]. Then He asked them, Whose image (picture) is this? And whose superscription (title)? They said to Him, Caesar's. Jesus said to them, Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's. And they stood marveling and greatly amazed at Him.

Background:
In this chapter, we have, I. The parable of the vineyard let out to unthankful husbandmen, representing the sin and ruin of the Jewish church (v. 1–12). II. Christ’s silencing those who thought to ensnare him with a question about paying tribute Caesar (v. 13–17). III. His silencing the Sadducees, who attempted to perplex the doctrine of the resurrection (v. 18–27). IV. His conference with a scribe about the first and great command of the law (v. 28–34). V. His puzzling the scribes with a question about Christ’s being the Son of David (v. 35–37). VI. The caution he gave the people, to take heed of the scribes (v. 38–40). VII. His commendation of the poor widow that cast her two mites into the treasury (v. 41–44). (Henry, 1996).

Commentary:
When the enemies of Christ, who thirsted for his blood, could not find occasion against him from what he said against them, they tried to ensnare him by putting questions to him. Here we have him tempted, or attempted rather, with a question about the lawfulness of paying tribute to Caesar. We had this narrative, Mt. 22:15.

I. The persons they employed were the Pharisees and the Herodians, men that in this matter were contrary to one another, and yet concurred against Christ, v. 13. The Pharisees were great sticklers for the liberty of the Jews, and, if he should say, It is lawful to give tribute to Caesar, they would incense the common people against him, and the Herodians would, underhand, assist them in it. The Herodians were great sticklers for the Roman power, and, if he should discountenance the paying of tribute to Caesar, they would incense the governor against him, yea, and the Pharisees, against their own principles, would join with them in it. It is no new thing for those that are at variance in other things, to join in a confederacy against Christ.

Reflection:
Those that were against one another, joined forces to come against Christ in their efforts to destroy his credibility. Nevertheless, their efforts did not accomplish what they set out to do at all. Christ remained constant in what He spoke, and the wisdom in which He portrayed. He confounded them on every level, and left them speechless. Therefore, their deceitful, manipulative ways were diffused by the wisdom of Christ.

He did not have to raise His voice. He did not have to get upset. All He did was use His words of wisdom to shut the mouths of His enemies. The children of God can do as Christ did. When someone tries to manipulate us with their words; we too can release words of wisdom to diffuse the situation; and take the power out of their so called declaration, and/or profession; designed to ensnare us into their own, limitless train of thought. By using words of wisdom we reflect our Father's image, and reject the reflections that are contrary to His inscription written on our hearts.

Strong's Concordance Definitions:
Likeness: 1504
1) an image, figure, likeness

a) an image of the things (the heavenly things)
1) used of the moral likeness of renewed men to God
2) the image of the Son of God, into which true Christians are transformed, is likeness not only to the heavenly body, but also to the most holy and blessed state of mind, which Christ possesses
b) the image of one
1) one in whom the likeness of any one is seen
2) applied to man on account of his power of command
3) to Christ on account of his divine nature and absolute moral excellence

Inscription: 1923
1) an inscription, title

a) in the NT of an inscription in black letters upon a whitened tablet
b) of the inscription on a coin

References:
Blue Letter Bible. "Gospel of Mark 12 - (NASB - New American Standard Bible)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 10 Mar 2010. http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&c=12&t=NASB


Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Mark 12." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 10 Mar 2010.
http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=1636&commInfo=5&topic=Mark&ar=Mar_12_13

Higgins, S. (2010). The Reflection of His Inscription. Devotions for Thought. Http://www.devotionsforthought.blog.com, http://www.higginspublishing.com