S – And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” ¹⁷ Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. 

Mark 12:16–17 ESV

O – Commentary:

The picture and title on the coin was almost certainly that of Tiberius Caesar, who reigned from ad 14–37. The inscription read, “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Son of [the] Divine Augustus” on one side and “High Priest” on the other.

12:17 give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar: Jesus’ words cannot be taken as those of an anti-Roman zealot opposing Jewish taxation by Caesar. Jesus clearly indicates elsewhere that he was opposed to the zealot cause (see Matt 5:9, 39, 41; 26:52). However, Jesus’ statement cannot be understood as pro-Roman, either, because service to God is fundamental, and God is ultimately over Caesar. Like the evil farmers in the previous parable, the religious leaders had not given God what belonged to him.

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Mk 12:16–17.

A –  This is an amazing story!  Jesus comes up with such a perfect answer that satisfies both questions and leaves no room for offense by the the religious leaders and the Jewish people.  When we ask God to give us wisdom, this is what we want.  The ability to navigate the natural world with supernatural insight, discernment and application. We are able to do this by inviting the Holy Spirit into our days to give us the spirit of wisdom and understanding as depicted in Isaiah 11:2.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Truth.  We invite your Holy Spirit to lead and mature us as we grow in our relationship with you.  We ask for the Spirit of wisdom and understanding to give us the ability to lead in the physical and spiritual realm.  We want to display your wisdom in both so others are not offended but drawn to you.