TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:13–17
SERMON FOCUS: Lordship, Loyalty, Political Idolatry, Integrity, True Allegiance

Sermon Highlights:
– Flattery and Foolishness (v.13–14) – The Pharisees and Herodians come with flattery, hoping to trap Jesus in His words.
– Traps and Triggers (v.14–16) – They ask about paying taxes to Caesar—a political question meant to divide.
– Lordship and Loyalty (v.17) – Jesus answers: "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." And they were amazed.

– What Goes Wrong When We Make Jesus a Mascot:
    – We Lose Moral Authority and Truth
    – Our Identity is Distorted
    – We Are Vulnerable to Manipulation
    – We Experience Internal Spiritual Decay

Supporting Scriptures:
– James 4:4 – Friendship with the world is enmity with God.
– Luke 6:26 – Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you.
– Romans 13:1–7 – Submission to governing authorities.
– 1 Peter 2:13–17; 5:29 – Fear God, honor the emperor.

Key Quote:
"Jesus Is Not Political; He is Jesus!"