Mark 12:13-17
Let’s remember to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.” There’s not a whole lot different in the three Synoptics’ accounts of “Paying Tribute to Caesar”. One item of note, however, is who meets Jesus with this tribute question. Matthew reports that the Pharisees sent some of their disciples and the Herodians. Mark reports that the Pharisees themselves came, along with the Herodians. And Luke is the most different. He reports that “they” …sent spies who pretended to be righteous (Luke 20:20). Strange!
There is one curious item that is consistent across all three accounts, the closing phrase, And they marveled at Him. (v. 17) This phrase could be about the Herodians, who did not have an axe to grind with Jesus like the Pharisees. Or it could have been disciples of the Pharisees or “lesser” Pharisees, again with less venom toward Jesus than their leaders. Or it could have been the larger crowd. To me I have no doubt that Jesus attracted new followers with each of these challenging incidents – maybe not immediately, but I have no doubt that many of these witnesses were among those 3,000 who believed Peter’s message and were baptized on Pentecost (Acts 2:41). Thankfully, we continue to marvel today…!!
Slava Bohu!
Luke’s version also includes a particular look at flattery. Whoever they were, they started by flattery. How often do we fall into that part of the trap? Discerning sincerity can be an issue, if the words are ones we long to hear.