Mark 12:13-17

13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn't we?"

But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. "Why are you trying to trap me?" he asked. "Bring me a denarius and let me look at it." 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?"

"Caesar's," they replied.

17 Then Jesus said to them, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."

And they were amazed at him.

- Mark 12:13-17

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After Jesus came to Jerusalem in Chapter 11, we continue reading about the Pharisees (Jews) who keep trying to outsmart Jesus and find a way to kill him. In this passage, they are again trying to act dumb in front of Jesus. But of course, Jesus knows everything. He knows their tricks and foolery and asks straight up, "Why are you trying to trap me?" Honestly, no one can fool Jesus...

During that time period, people had to pay taxes to Caesar, the Roman emperor, under the government law. The Pharisees purposely asked that question about paying the taxes to see who Jesus would side with. Would Jesus say "Yes, it is right to pay" and support such a secular law, making a statement to the rest of the people? Or would Jesus say "No, do not pay it" and let those Pharisees take him away for saying something against the law?

Jesus gave such a smart answer telling them to obey the rules and respect authority while also listening to God's commands. Amazing, to the point that they were also shocked at his teaching. Jesus is unstoppable.

The Pharisees themselves know what Jesus is like. They literally spoke out of their own mouths describing Jesus as someone who is "a man of integrity", "not swayed by others", "pay no attention to who they are", "teach the way of God in accordance with the truth." These are all facts about Jesus. But, why can't they see the goodness of him? Why are they so mean and evil?

Personally, these are all characteristics of Jesus that I aspire to be. I wish I was always full of integrity.. Not swayed by others or paying attention to them.. Especially in today's society, it is so hard not to listen to other people and their expectations. I strive to be someone like Jesus who is so peaceful and real even knowing that his death will soon come.

We are so like these Pharisees sometimes. We know who Jesus is. We know what kind of good person he was and why we learn about him. But like these Pharisees, for some reason, we can't reflect Jesus in our own lives. We turn against him and question his morals time to time. Why is it so hard for us to understand and see the answer right in front of our eyes?

As we read and reflect on this devotional, we should pray to God to open our eyes and hearts. No more acting dumb because there is no way out. Jesus is truly full of integrity. The truth is right there in front of our eyes. So, let's just continue to take in Jesus' teachings and obey God's word.