March 9th Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, March 9, 2025 First Sunday of Lent
Scripture Reading: Mark 12:13-17
Sermon: What About Taxes?
Mark 12:13-17
Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?’ But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, ‘Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.’ And they brought one. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose t itle?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at him.
Key Idea of the Sermon
Last year we engaged in a careful study of Mark’s gospel. We followed Mark’s narrative right up to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. That’s when we set it aside with a promise that we would come back to Mark’s telling of Holy Week during Lent, and here we are. You may recall that Mark’s gospel is known for its brevity, focus on action, and presentation of Jesus as the anointed leader of God who calls and forms disciples who live God’s values of grace, justice, righteousness, and compassion. Jesus is loyal to the reign of God not Rome, which is why a Roman cross awaits Jesus on the Friday of Holy Week. The teachings of Jesus we will study during Lent have added weight because they are spoken in Jesus’ final days. Today’s topic invites reflection on a disciple’s commitment to human and Divine authority.
Questions for Reflection
• The question Jesus is asked seems impossible to answer. Paying tribute to Caesar who oppresses the masses for personal gain, would undermine Jesus’ connection with and representation of his people. Refusing payment of tribute to Caesar would provide the grounds for Jesus’ arrest. What questions do you face that seem impossible to answer?
• Jesus sees another way to answer the impossible question. Jesus answers with a “both/and” instead of an “either/or”. How might Jesus’ answer help you with the impossible questions of your life?
• Since we have studied the teachings and actions of Jesus, we know that Jesus’ allegiance was squarely with the life-giving values of God rather than the death-dealing values of Caesar. Jesus might have to pay tribute to Caesar (read Matthew 17:24-27) but his heart and soul belonged to God. Where does your allegiance reside?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Some give up an unhealthy habit during Lent, others take on a healthy spiritual practice to grow closer to God during Lent. Choose one or the other that is most helpful to you and stick with it. If you need help reach out to your pastors.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
