Render to Caesar – Matthew 22:15-22

The underground church of China is living under a government that requires registration of churches and yet resist registration because they believe they should not be so governed in the expression of their faith, or, at times, because they do not believe they should have to meet the requirements (50 core members, a seminary trained minister, and a fixed location for worship). Who is right? The churches that register or the house churches? What is the obligation of believers to governing authorities?

Jesus faced this challenging question and gave a challenging answer.

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away. (Matthew 22:15-22 ESV)

The Pharisees hatch a plot to trip Jesus up.  To lessen suspicion they send their disciples, younger men whom Jesus might not recognize as Pharisees, and Herodians, people committed to the furthering of Herod’s reign, normally the opponents of the Pharisees.  They are anxious to diminish his popularity among the people (a certainty to happen if Jesus registered support for Roman taxation) or get him in trouble with the Roman government (a claim of insurrection if he opposes Roman taxation).  They utilize flattery thinking they can manipulate Jesus.  But Jesus is on to them.  Jesus exposes their duplicity, calling them malicious hypocrites.

Jesus’ tactical response, utilizing a Roman coin with Caesar’s image on it, leaves the questioners speechless.  If they argue with him they run the risk of falling into their own trap.  Of course the coin belongs to Caesar.  The reality is they are under Roman rule and must pay the tax.  But that does not contradict giving to God what belongs to Him, such as obedience, worship, and even tithes. 

Paul will later assert that all governing authority is granted by God alone and that we are to submit to it (Romans 13:1-8).  Christians have lived under many different kinds of civil government, some more oppressive than others, but have been able to serve the Lord, sometimes needing to disobey governing authorities in order to obey God (Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-29). 

One day there will be no government but Jesus’ government.  In the meantime, we pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1,2).