As a conquered people, the Jews were heavily taxed by the Romans. The annual poll tax of one denarius (a day’s salary for a common laborer), was most hated—not because of its amount, but because it was a shameful reminder that they were a subjugated people. This tax had to be paid with a Roman coin that bore images of the emperor, with offensive inscriptions that ascribed divinity and spiritual authority to Caesar, so the use of such a coin was considered spiritually sacrilegious and politically repugnant to devout Jews (Leviticus 26:1).
Jesus’ enemies used the poll tax to try and set up the perfect ‘Catch-22’ for Him (Mark 12:13). “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” they asked (Mark 12:14). A “no” answer would invite retaliation from Rome. A “yes” answer would make Him unpopular with the people.
Jesus answered, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied (Mark 12:16). He continued: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar” (Mark 12:17). By saying this, Jesus revealed that the emperor should get what was rightfully his, but no more. “And give to God what belongs to God” (Mark 12:17). This meant that the emperor should not receive the divine worship and authority he craved, for they rightly belonged to God alone (Exodus 20:3-5; Acts 4:19). Since the coin bore the image of Caesar, it was to be given to Caesar. People bear the image of God (Genesis 1:26), so they were to give themselves to God.
In moving from the political arena to the spiritual realm, Jesus spelled out how a believer who gives himself to God will know what it means to be a good citizen. He showed that you don’t have to be a bad citizen to be a good Christian.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 14:13-36
More:
Read Romans 13:1-8, Titus 3:1, and 1 Peter 2:13-17 to see how a good Christian can also be a good citizen.
Next:
How should you apply Jesus’ answer, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God” in situations where Christians are opposed or persecuted?
tom felten on July 17, 2012 at 10:21 am
KT, it’s interesting that there are no perfect governments or authorities . . . some far worse and oppressive than others. But God’s Word gives us some clear guidelines on how we can honor God with how we relate to our authorities. I’m so looking forward to the day when Jesus is ruling over the new earth and we are experiencing His perfect shalom!
mike wittmer on July 17, 2012 at 11:38 am
This is spot on, K.T. Your words remind me of Tertullian’s third century “Apology” (i.e., “Defense), in which he told the emperor that he should stop persecuting his best citizens, for the Christians pray for the emperor and are loyal to the empire and its laws. I hope that we can say the same today.
wholyfit on July 17, 2012 at 12:36 pm
This really hit home since I am leading a womens retreat tomorrow for Christian fitness professionals and one of our topics will be how to be good employees in health clubs. It is difficult sometimes because I will only teach exercise classes that honor Christ in my dress and the background philosophy of the exercise system. There is always a way to be both a good employee and honor Christ.
winn collier on August 1, 2012 at 5:47 pm
In fact, the reverse may be true, no? To be a good Christian means to be a good citizen (though defined on God’s terms…) This is a good word in a time when animos and divided loyalties (baptizing political ideology in Jesus’ name) are so prevalent in the church