When the Pharisees and the Herodians attempt to run a "sting operation" on Jesus,…

…asking him whether it is “lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not,” Jesus gives a fascinating answer. He says, essentially, "Take a look at the coin. Whose image and inscription is on this?"

They answer, "Caesar's." Then Jesus makes the famous statement: "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Okay. We can debate at great length what it means for Christians to live in two kingdoms: the "civil kingdom" and the "heavenly kingdom." The Bible makes clear that we are born into the first, and thus are citizens of nations in the world common to man. Christians are "born again" into the second. We live as dual citizens, governed by the state in the first, and governed by King Jesus, in his church, in the second. Fine. Jesus addresses both. Figure out how to do that.

But what intrigues me is that most commentators emphasize the first part of the statement about being good citizens, and tend, in their comments, to neglect what I think is the far more important and powerful point that Jesus is making. Think about it. The force of what Jesus says leads him to conclude "Render to God the things that are God's."

After all, the image on that coin is a violation of the second commandment against graven images presented for adoration. And that's what the Emperor was doing. I think these schemers who question Jesus, to trap him, had to lower their eyes. As one writer put it, "In the most richly ironic passage of the entire Bible, we have this coin that represents Caesar who claimed to be divine. And on the other side of the coin sits an inscription of the Roman goddess of peace, Pax, the high priest. This coin announces the pagan alternative to the Jewish God." Right?

So here you have on this day the Son of God and the True High Priest of Peace, Jesus, who has recently been proclaimed by people to be a king as he entered Jerusalem. Here he is, holding the tiny silver coin of a king [emperor], who claims to be the son of a god and a high priest of Roman peace." What irony!

So while, yes, you need to pay your taxes, since you have dual citizenship, do not miss the fact that with one straightforward counter question, Jesus skillfully points out the claims of God and of Caesar, and that they are ultimately mutually exclusive. If your faith is in God, then God is owed everything. And Jesus is certainly making clear that Caesar's claims to be a god are illegitimate.

Essentially he is asking them: "Where is your allegiance and what will you render to God?"

He asks you that question. The Bible answers clearly. Render to God the honor he is due (Malachi 1:6). Render to God the activity of your everyday life (Micah 6:8; Colossians 3:23). Render to God your body (Romans 12:1). Render to God your love (Matthew 22:37 – 40).

You know, when I read a list like this, I realize how far short I fall in rendering to God what is God's. Maybe you do, too. I am actually ashamed and grieved.

Well, this "sting operation" failed, and we are told that his opponents "marveled" and went away. But in just a few short days "the sting of death" will overcome Jesus. These schemers and scoundrels will appear to succeed in destroying him. But God is the God who brings good out of evil, and Jesus will rise again, having made atonement for my sins and my failure to render to God what is God's. He died for your sins and failures, too.

And, once again, I marvel.

Musings from Pastor John, November 15, Click to Email Pastor John