"Render Unto Caesar"

Scripture Passage

Matthew 21:28-32; Mark 12:1-12; Matthew 21:33-46; Luke 20:9-19; Matthew 22:1-14; Mark 12:13-17; Matthew 22:15-22; Luke 20:20-26; Mark 12:18-27; Matthew 22:23-33; Luke 20:27-40

Scripture Focus

“Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Luke 20:25 NLT)

Observation

“Pick a parable, any parable,” today’s reading seems to suggest. What a record of teaching encounter after teaching encounter as Jesus’ life-trajectory accelerates towards the cross! With all those many choices, today I’ll do the same thing I do when there are too many options on the restaurant menu: I'll return to something familiar.

Jesus’ encounter with the “spies” sent by the Pharisees is a classic. These men attempt to trap Jesus by a tricky political question—“Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Luke 20:22 NLT) To say, “Yes, it’s right” will be interpreted to suggest that Jesus allows for allegiance to some “lord” other than Yahweh. To say, “No, it shouldn’t be done” opens Jesus to charges of inciting rebellion against the Roman government.

Jesus avoids both pitfalls by delivering a remarkably deft answer—“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Luke 20:25 NLT) But I’m convinced Jesus’ words provide more than just a clever response that avoids the trap these men have set. Jesus’ answer is a powerful challenge to anyone with ears to hear.

You see, the truth is, “Caesar” will get his—one way or the other. I know plenty of Americans (especially in an election year) who are upset by the obligations imposed on them by their government, but I don’t (personally) know any who refuse to pay their taxes because of it. The risk is too great—the penalties too severe. But I know plenty of folks who (like the Pharisees) fall way short of fulfilling legitimate obligations to God—even if those obligations are as fundamental as, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37,39 NIV). Still, the obligation stands—and the challenge to fulfill every obligation...especially those to God...is, I believe, the full message Jesus intended to deliver...

Don’t just “render unto Caesar”—render unto God!

***