Mark 12:13-27 - Jesus Contra Mundum

Sermon Discussion Questions 

1) Re-read Mark 12:13-17. Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees and Herodians implies that the government - even an aggressive, pagan empire like Rome - has a legitimate place in the lives of the faithful that is to be appropriately honored as God’s ordained governing agency for the present moment. Besides paying our taxes, how else do we render honor to governing authorities (see 1Timothy 2:1-6; Titus 3:1-2)? 

2) If we are to render to God what is God’s, and everything belongs to God, what does this mean for us as disciples of Christ (hint: see 8:34-38)? How does this call personally  challenge you now? How might this ultimate allegiance lead us to acts of respectful but determined “civil disobedience” as Christians? 

3) Re-read Mark 12:18-27. Jesus grounds the doctrine of the resurrection in the nature of God - that is, as "the God of the living" who binds himself by covenant/promise to his people forever. How does this truth change how we negotiate our mortal fears, our personal insecurities and doubts as the people of his name?