November 16, 2025
Death and Taxes
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

Mark 12:13-17
And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” 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.

I. The Trap: Be Careful When Approached by Strange Bedfellows

II. The Setup: Beware of Flattering Words

III. The Question & The Answer: Give to Each What They Rightly Deserve

Let’s live as citizens of heaven who shine brightly in this world.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I commit to being an engaged citizen who genuinely loves my neighbor.
• I choose to give back to God my heart, soul, and mind.

Deep Dive

1. Why do some Christians think that faith and politics is an either/or proposition?
2. Read Mt. 22:15-22. How does knowing we bear God’s image affect how we live, work, and worship?
3. How can you practically “render to God” in your everyday life this week?

Springboards

1. Read Mark 12:18-27. What are your big questions about heaven and the afterlife?
2. Read Philippians 3:20–21. What do these verses teach us about our future resurrection bodies?
3. Jesus said believers will be like angels in heaven. What does that mean, and what does it not mean?