The Jewish religious establishment resented Jesus because He exposed their pride, hypocrisy, and self-righteousness. They envied His great popularity with the people, and were incensed at His claim to be the Messiah and the Son of God, a claim that in their eyes was blasphemy. Now, after a scathing parable told by Jesus to highlight their murderous motives, the leaders are infuriated and even more determined to find a way to kill Jesus.
First in the list of all that was essential for the Jew was unreserved, wholehearted commitment expressed in love to God. Since this relationship of love for God could not be represented in any material way as with idols, it had to be demonstrated in obedience to God's law in daily life. The person who truly loves the Lord with all his heart and soul and mind is the person who trusts Him and obeys Him.
Questions/Things to Consider:
- The question concerning taxes was an attempt to get Jesus to say or do what? What do you think his answer means?
- How well are you living out the Great Commandment? What does it mean to love God with heart, mind, soul and strength?
* Notes from "Mark: The Humanity of Christ," John MacArthur, 2006.
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