Beyond the Donkey and the Elephant: Finding Our Identity in Christ

In Mark 12:13-17, we encounter Jesus cleverly navigating a political minefield. The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus, however, exposes their hypocrisy and delivers a profound response: "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." (Mark 12:17)

Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”  They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” - Mark 12:13-17

This simple statement holds immense meaning. While the coin bears Caesar's image, reflecting earthly authority, humans bear the image of God, signifying our ultimate allegiance to Him. This truth should serve as a lens through which we view all aspects of life, including the political landscape.

Unfortunately, many Christians, myself included at times, allow our political stances to unconsciously align with worldly agendas instead of being rooted in Kingdom principles. We can then fall into the trap of using scripture to justify pre-existing biases.

However, Jesus transcends the limitations of earthly politics. His kingdom is not bound by worldly paradigms, and neither are its values. He doesn't conform to any single point on the political spectrum, but rather calls us to a different way of thinking and engaging.

It's easy to get caught up in the partisan frenzy, aligning ourselves with donkeys or elephants. But Jesus calls us to something deeper than mere compromise. He calls us to prioritize the values of the Kingdom of Heaven over the squabbles of earthly parties.

While I hold personal political opinions, shaped by my academic background in Political Science, my citizenship in heaven takes precedence. This truth should be the foundation of our identity, regardless of the world's shifting political tides.

Remember, Caesar's image may be on our currency, but God's image is imprinted on you. Let this truth be your guiding light as you navigate the complexities of the world and the challenges of the upcoming political season.

With You:
Pastor Tim