Caesar’s Due
Posted March 5th, 2010 by Kirk HendersonScripture
Mark 12:13-17
Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. 14 When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?”
But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” 16 So they brought it.
And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”
17 And Jesus answered and 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.
Observation
We live in two worlds: the natural and the spiritual. Jesus understood this and used a simple coin to prove this very important principle. The State (or Government) is an earthly institution with necessary functions, and taxes are a vital part. Jesus is not telling us we have to always agree with the government…but give it the honor it is due. Don’t pretend you live in only the spiritual world. We need our government, and are commanded to pray for governing officials. Believe it or not, God ultimately uses earthly governments to fulfill his grand purpose. We can confidently give to Caesar his due because Caesar is always in God’s hands.
Application
We can give honor not only by paying taxes, but by being agents of change in local, state, and federal issues. Don’t complain but be part of the solution!
Prayer
Lord help me to give honor where it is due, and to not criticize, but to pray for governing officials and their important tasks which lay before them. Help me to know my part in these important issues and use me as you can to accomplish Your will. Amen.
