18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?”
21 “Caesar's,” they replied.
Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.”
22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.
How foolish for these pretenders to seek to outwit the Master! In their puffed up and cunning mindset they sought to trap Jesus in His Words. Simply not going to happen! God’s Word penned in Isaiah come to mind keeping us from ever thinking we are going to somehow outsmart the Creator:
8 “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Isaiah 46:8-10 (NIV)
In His discourse with blameless Job God sets the record straight as well:
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” Job 38:1-3 (NIV)
God then proceeds to ask Job a litany of questions of which, of course, he had not a clue how to answer bringing Job to his knees - overwhelmed in awe of His majesty. It is much better for us to begin our posture in His presence in pure humility. King David’s words in Psalm Eight come to mind:
4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalms 8:4 (NIV)
“Pride not only withdraws the heart from God, but lifts it up against God.” Thomas Manton
In brilliant fashion, our Lord responds to these hypocritical religious leaders in our verses for today in such a way as to silence them and leave them amazed. So like the Lord Jesus! He was constantly amazing His hearers when His feet walked this dusty earth. Here, He clearly states that government has a rightful place in everyone’s life and that one can be in subjection to both God and the government at the same time. Hence He tells them the taxes must be paid to Caesar -“Give to Caesar what is Caesar's”. Yet at the same time He also reminds them that they are to be subject to God’s authority as well – “and to God what is God's.” Man has both political and spiritual responsibilities. Paul tells us in Romans and in Titus as well our responsibility towards governing authorities as they have been established by God:
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. Romans 13:1-3 (NIV)
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Titus 3:1-2 (NIV)
“Let us never forget that the message of the Bible is addressed primarily to the mind, to the understanding.” Martyn Lloyd Jones
While the Bible does not condone tyranny or oppression believers are to respect those in positions of authority. Christians are to abide by governmental laws our motivation being for the Lord’s sake not merely to avoid punishment. This brings honor to God Who ordained human government. Christians are to observe man-made laws unless they come into conflict with the clear teaching of Scripture. We are to be givers of self and love at all times as this behavior mirrors our Master. Peter tells us:
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17 (NIV)
“It’s an ethos and conviction underscored by so many I’ve met since being here -- men and women placed by God in the portals of power. In education, government, the military or entertainment, they’re there, holding sway and affecting for good. I keep meeting them -- nuclear physicists, university presidents, business moguls; social entrepreneurs. Others are advisors, entertainers, journalists, and yes, even politicians. From across the globe, they are power-holders and influencers; living for God, risking all, spicing our world with His precepts, His standards, and with His grace, Amazing Grace. These invigorating experiences have so broadened my perspective of God and the canny, brilliant ways He works. His people are everywhere -- His “sent ones” who wear not the vestments of religion nor hoist the banner of traditional “missionary”. Yet they are equally dedicated to the purposes of Jesus -- to the death if need be. Paula Kirby