Mark 12:14

Afrikaans 2020 (Die Bybel 2020-vertaling)

Hulle kom toe en sê vir Hom: “Meester, ons weet dat u opreg is en u aan niemand steur nie, want u neem nie die aansien van persone in aanmerking nie, maar onderrig die weg van God waarheidsgetrou. Is dit toelaatbaar om belasting aan die keiser te betaal, of nie? Behoort ons te betaal, of behoort ons nie te betaal nie?”

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Mark, some people come to Jesus and ask if it's right to pay taxes to the Roman emperor Caesar. They're trying to trap Jesus with their question because he could get in trouble no matter what he says.

Explained for Children

Imagine your friend asks you if it’s okay to share your cookies with another kid, but they’re just trying to trick you into saying something that gets you in trouble with the teacher. That's kind of like what these people are doing to Jesus.

Historical Background

This verse was written by Mark, likely around AD 60-70 for a non-Jewish audience living under Roman rule. The cultural setting is one where paying taxes to Caesar was seen as an act of loyalty and respect to the emperor, which caused tension among Jewish people who considered it a form of idolatry.

Living It Out Today

Today, we might face situations where we are asked questions that seem innocent but could trap us into saying something wrong. For example, a friend might ask if you’ve been drinking before driving, and you need to be careful how you respond so as not to get in trouble or incriminate yourself.

Topics

• faith
• taxes
• authority
• traps
• loyalty
• truth

Related Verses

• Matthew 22:15-22
• Luke 20:20-26
• John 19:12
• Acts 4:29
• Romans 13:7

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were they trying to trap Jesus with this question?

They believed that if Jesus said it was okay to pay taxes, he would lose favor with the Jewish people who disliked Roman rule. If he said not to pay, he could be accused of treason against Rome.

What does 'regardest not the person of men' mean?

This phrase highlights that Jesus is fair and impartial in his teachings.

How did Jesus answer the question?

He avoided their trap by not giving a straightforward yes or no.

What can we learn from Jesus’ response?

Jesus showed how to navigate tricky situations without compromising one's beliefs.