To Caesar and to God

Then they asked Him, saying, "Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favouritism but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Why do you test Me? Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?" They answered and said, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marvelled at His answer and kept silent.

– Luke 20.21-26

It appears that the question about the relationship between God and government is an old one. Even in Jesus’ day His opponents, while looking for ways to trap Him, decided to address the issue of government.

After a bit of flattery they asked Jesus a question that was sure to catch Him. ‘Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar?’

If Jesus said ‘yes’ the people would turn against Him. No one likes to pay taxes. If He said ‘no’ the Roman authorities could very well arrested for supporting rebellion.

What would He do now?

‘Why are you trying to trick me? Let me see a coin.’ So they handed Him a denarius with Caesar’s face on it. ‘Whose face is that?’ ‘Caesar’s’ they responded. ‘So give Caesar what is his and give God what is His.’

They couldn’t catch Him out. They were stunned at His answer.

And that really answers the question for us. There is no dilemma of church and state. We give God our absolute obedience and devotion. We live to honour and glorify Him. We also submit to our government and pay our taxes.

On those very rare occasions where we can’t obey both we must choose to obey God and deal with the consequences.

Give Caesar his due and give God His due – simple enough really.