SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1077

“Give to Caesar”

… “Teacher… Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” …But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. – Mark 12:13-17

Our reference Scripture has more to do with obedience than it does money or taxes. The image on the coin at the time implied literal ownership. The image on our coins is mere symbolism. Caesar however owned the coins – they were minted in his image and he required a portion returned as tax.

Jesus’ reply to the attempt to trap Him instructs us how to live in obedience while caught simultaneously in two kingdoms: The kingdom of this world, and The Kingdom of God.

We belong to God – we are made in His image.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…; Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.– Genesis 1:26; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The things of this world belong to this world and we are subject to the governing authorities.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. … Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. – Romans 13:1-10

I have a tendency to be disobedient and rebellious. Perhaps you can relate to nudging your cruise control a few MPH over the speed limit or disobeying other valid civil laws and rules. I was convicted of my rebellion recently when I decided not to comply with a new policy instituted at work which I deemed to be silly and stupid. The Lord showed me through His Word that my disobedience to the governing authorities was indeed disobedience to Him and a failure to follow His example.

Our civil disobedience tarnishes our witness and does not bring glory to God. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. – Hebrews 5:8; 1 Peter 2:21

Our Father in Heaven wants us to walk in obedience following the example of Jesus. We are not our own. We are His and He desires our obedience more than our works of the flesh.

And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice… – 1 Samuel 15:22

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31