Mark 12:1-17

VERSE OF THE DAY: But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. "Why are you trying to trap Me?" he asked. "Bring me a denarius and let me look at it."—Mark 12:15

There is a LOT to unpack in chapter 12 of the book of Mark as things start heating up around Jesus as He speaks in parables, consistently keeps the scribes and Pharisees on edge, and prepares His disciples for His coming crucifixion and resurrection. In this passage, Jesus speaks about the Parable of the Tenants and lands on "the stone that the builders rejected has become the Cornerstone." Today's devotional concludes with Jesus' response to them about paying taxes to Caesar.

REFLECTION: Don’t Test Jesus

• They were not honest in their intentions.
• The question was designed for ill intent.
• Jesus’ answer was to reveal the truth.
• They cared about money and power.
• Jesus used their own question to point out their inadequacies.
• But it didn’t make them humble; it made them mad.
• Jesus can’t fail the test because HE is the standard.

Q's: How have you tested Jesus in your life? What did it reveal about you?