Bible Questions: Mark 12:13-17

I have written the following questions based on the sermon Giving to Caesar, Rendering to God by Matt Kennedy.

Text: Mark 12:13-17

1. [v.13] What is the difference between Biblical customs and Biblical commandments?  What is the consequence of breaking either one?

2. [v.14-15] Why do people change their appearance or offer flattery when trying to obtain a particular outcome?

3. [v.14-15] Is the flattery that the Pharisees and Herodians offer Jesus true or genuine?  Is flattery ever necessary?  How about deception?

4. [v.15-16] Why does Jesus turn the crowd’s attention to the details of the coin, particularly its image and description?

5. [v.17] Does Jesus actually answer the initial question about taxes?  What is Jesus trying to communicate?

6. [App] To some degree, Jesus upholds the ruling government, despite its faults.  Read Romans 13:1-6.  Why does God institute governments to rule over people?  When does a bad government become so corrupt that Christians would be right (before God) to disobey?

7. [v.17] Today, how do we know “What is Caesar’s” and what is God’s?  How do we give our money and honor properly?