Render to Caesar...

How should a Christian relate to the government? Join us this week at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we consider Jesus's answer from Mark 12.

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. In our sermon, Pastor Jordan said that one of the dangers of today’s political climate is that politics today demand more of us than we can give. What does this mean? What are some ways that you have seen this to be the case in your own life?
2. What is one highlight from the sermon and one question that you had after hearing the sermon?
3. In what way does this passage not just record the history of conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities but also challenge us today?
4. Read Mark 12:13–17. What are important pieces of historical context that help us understand this passage?
5. Read Mark 12:14. Are you more like the Pharisees’ description of Jesus or the Pharisees themselves? What are some ways to become more like Jesus in this regard?
6. Read Mark 12:16–17. What does it mean to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”? What are some examples today?
7. Read Jeremiah 29:4–7; Daniel 2:20–21; 7:6, 9, 13–14. How do we balance our responsibilities to a secular government with the Lordship of Jesus? 
8. Read Mark 12:16–17; Genesis 1:26–27. What does it mean to “render to God the things that are God’s”? What does this look like in your life?
9. What spheres of your life do you struggle surrendering to Jesus? What are some ways to move forward with that sort of mindset this week?