BiblicalInsights.net

     Jesus said, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s and unto God the things which be God’s” (Luke 20:25).  The context in which He spoke these words is very interesting.  The chief priests and the scribes (Luke 20:19) set out to entrap the Lord through a devious design.  Luke reveals their intent, “And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor” (Luke 19:20).  They watched Him, sent forth spies to spy on Him, and were willing to twist His words to accuse Him.  They designed a question for the purpose of entrapment.  “Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or no?” (Luke 19:22).  The question was designed to put Jesus on the horns of a dilemma.  If He answered yes, He would incur the displeasure of Jewish patriots who hated to pay taxes to Caesar.  If He said no, then He would incur the displeasure of the Romans who required it. 
     Jesus orchestrated a masterful escape from their devious intentions.  Jesus knew their diabolical hearts.  He asked, “Why tempt ye me?”  He knew that they were testing His faithfulness to God.  Jesus said, “Shew me a penny.”  The penny was a denarius–a Roman coin with an image of Caesar on it.  Jesus asked, “Whose image and superscription hath it?”  They correctly replied, “Caesars.”  Jesus said unto them, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.”  Several observations on this statement are in order.
     First, paying taxes recognized the authority of Caesar.  The authority possessed by Caesar was delegated to him by God (Rom. 13:1; John 19:10-11).  Paying taxes was an act of obedience to the authority of Caesar (a delegated authority).
     Second, the coin had Caesar’s inscription on it.  The image of Caesar on the coin denoted a claim to ownership.  Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things which be Caesar’s.” 
     Third, when Jesus said, “Render unto God the things that are God’s,” He recognized God’s ownership of the universe and of each of His creatures.  Every person was given life by God (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Dan. 5:23).  By virtue of the fact that He is our creator, we must glorify Him as God.  Every Christian is bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ (I Cor. 6:20).  God makes a claim on us.  We owe God our obedience, homage and faithfulness.  We are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26,27).  Render unto God the things that are God’s!  God’s authority is supreme.  Yes, you must pay your taxes.  But, you owe God everything.  You owe Him your life and your all. We glorify God when we accept His rule in our hearts.  We glorify God whenever we obey Him.