This famous statement by Jesus is found in Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, and Luke 20:20-26. Here, Jesus makes a profound point about our relationship to human governments and authorities in light of our higher allegiance to God.
The background to this statement is that the Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus into saying something that would get Him into trouble with the Roman authorities. They ask Him whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. If Jesus replied that it was not lawful, He could be accused of rebellion against Rome. If He said it was lawful, He could be accused of supporting Roman oppression of the Jewish people.
Jesus avoids this trap with divine wisdom. He asks for a coin, and asks whose image and inscription is on it. They reply that it is Caesar’s. Jesus then gives this famous response: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).
On one level, Jesus is saying that since we are under the authority of human governments, we have an obligation to pay taxes and honor them appropriately. Government has a legitimate sphere of authority delegated to them by God (Romans 13:1-7). We must operate within this authority structure even when we may disagree with particular rulers.
Yet Jesus also sets up a contrast between our obligations to human authorities and our higher allegiance to God. We are first citizens of God’s kingdom and members of Christ’s body. No earthly power can supplant that higher loyalty. When commands of earthly rulers conflict with God’s commands, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
So Jesus establishes a creative and nuanced approach to politics. On one hand, we cooperate with and honor human institutions and authorities in their proper sphere. We pay taxes, obey laws, and serve in government roles. On the other hand, our core identity and highest allegiance is to Jesus Christ and His kingdom. No political power can usurp His authority in our lives.
This approach allows us to be responsible citizens on earth while storing up our treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). We serve earthly authorities in their legitimate role, while reserving absolute loyalty for Christ. We interact with human society and care for its flourishing, while identifying first and foremost with the kingdom of God.
This dual citizenship presents us with challenging dilemmas at times. When human authorities promote policies or laws that contradict God’s ways, how do we respond? We should thoughtfully assess such situations on a case-by-case basis. In general, we seek to obey both realms in ways consistent with a Christian worldview. We may protest unjust laws, practice civil disobedience, or refuse to cooperate with commands contrary to a biblical ethic. But we do so respectfully and peaceably, recognizing that perfection will not come until Christ returns.
Jesus’ statement about Caesar reminds us that government has a God-ordained role in human society. We honor and support its legitimate functions. Most of all, Jesus affirms that our core loyalty is to Him and His ways. No earthly power can displace our primary citizenship in the kingdom of God.
In summary, when Jesus said “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” He established some key principles for Christians relating to human government:
- We have a duty to pay taxes, obey laws, and honor government authorities
- Government has a legitimate sphere of authority ordained by God
- Our highest allegiance is always to Jesus Christ and His kingdom
- When government contradicts God’s commands, we must obey God rather than human authorities
- We can thoughtfully protest and dissent from unjust laws and policies
- Our primary identity is as citizens of God’s kingdom, not any earthly realm
Understanding this statement equips Christians to be responsible citizens on earth while reserving absolute loyalty for Jesus Christ and His kingdom. We thoughtfully navigate the tension between the two as we await the full establishment of God’s kingdom at the return of Christ.
1. Paying Taxes to Caesar
The immediate context of Jesus’ statement deals with the issue of paying taxes. The Pharisees try to trap Jesus into speaking against taxes to Rome. Jesus avoids the trap by affirming that paying taxes is appropriate since we are under the governmental authority of Rome. However, he balances this by saying we still have a higher obligation to God.
This means Christians must not avoid paying legally owed taxes. We may work to change unjust tax laws, but we should obey current tax codes out of submission to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7). Paying taxes is morally valid when governments use taxes appropriately for just causes that advance social good (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
At the same time, the Bible is clear that governments do not have absolute authority over people’s possessions or income. We ultimately are stewards responsible before God for the use of our resources, including money that goes to taxes (James 1:17, Deuteronomy 8:18). So taxes that clearly violate biblical values may warrant conscientious objection.
Overall, Jesus affirmed paying lawful taxes as part of our obligation under government authority. But He balanced this by the higher responsibility we bear directly before God for the use of our resources.
2. Government’s Legitimate Authority
Jesus’ statement recognizes that government has a legitimate sphere of authority established by God: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21). Several passages affirm that God has ordained the governing authorities for order, justice, and human flourishing (Romans 13:1-4, 1 Peter 2:13-17). As such, Christians should generally be obedient and law-abiding citizens.
However, the Bible also makes clear this authority has limits. When human commands violate God’s commands, then we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Government is not absolute and must be subject to God’s higher standards of justice and care for people. We are always God’s servants first when conflicts arise in these areas.
Jesus thus acknowledges a legitimate sphere for human governance under God’s ultimate sovereignty. We honor this authority unless it clearly violates biblical principles. Even then, we may dissent respectfully rather than with violent revolution.
3. Higher Allegiance to God
While we have obligations to human society and government, Jesus underscores our higher allegiance: “Render to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Our primary identity and citizenship is in Christ’s kingdom.
The Bible repeatedly affirms that Christians are strangers, exiles, and aliens during our time on earth (Hebrews 11:13, 1 Peter 1:1, James 1:1). Our values, priorities, and lives should look different than those of the world around us. We serve a higher calling and purpose.
This does not mean withdrawing from culture or disregarding earthly institutions. But it does mean that our core loyalty is to Jesus Christ and His kingdom. No earthly power can supplant His authority and reign in our hearts. We must obey God rather than men when conflicts arise.
Living as citizens of heaven while residing on earth is an ongoing tension we must navigate carefully. But Jesus establishes the priority clearly – our allegiance to Him comes first, above all else.
4. Obeying God vs. Men
Because of our higher loyalty to God’s kingdom, there are times when we cannot obey human authorities without disobeying Christ. The apostles stated this directly: “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29).
This does not mean we can flout laws we disagree with. But when government clearly commands something opposed to Scripture, civil disobedience may be warranted. This must be done humbly and non-violently. We accept the consequences for standing up for our faith.
Examples include peacefully resisting laws requiring Christians to offer sacrifices to Caesar, forcing participation in abortions, prohibiting gospel preaching, or compelling violation of biblical marriage/family ethics. In such cases we obey God first, even if punished or persecuted by human authorities.
Of course, we should assess each situation carefully. Sometimes living out our faith requires creative navigation to honor both God and society appropriately. But where clear conflicts emerge, we follow the apostles in obeying God rather than men.
5. Thoughtful Dissent and Protest
Because governing authorities are imperfect, Christians at times may conscientiously object to or protest certain laws and policies that violate biblical values. However, this should be done thoughtfully, respectfully, and peacefully.
The Bible commands us to pray for those in authority over us that they may pursue justice, peace, and the common good (1 Timothy 2:1-4). We are called to bless and not curse them (Romans 12:14). So our dissent should not be angry, violent, or reviling. Instead, we reason and persuade others of a better way (Acts 19:8-10).
Christians have positively influenced society through careful reasoning and advocacy. We work through legal channels to change laws. We practice civil disobedience to unjust policies, humbly accepting punishment. We protest peacefully and thoughtfully against structural evils.
In it all, we recognize government’s God-given authority and seek to influence society within this structure. Our dissent aims not to tear down authority itself, but to correct injustices and steer society in a moral direction.
6. Heavenly Citizenship Comes First
Jesus’ famous statement about Caesar reminds us that Christians are citizens of God’s kingdom first and foremost. Our primary identity, values, purpose, and allegiance flow from this spiritual citizenship that supersedes any earthly realm (Philippians 3:20).
We temporarily reside in earthly nations, obeying laws and customs that do not violate Scripture. But we always remember our true home is in heaven. We store up treasures there rather than amassing earthly possessions and status symbols.
Our lives here should be marked by distinct priorities and values amid the culture around us. We live with eternality in mind. We build God’s kingdom more than our own. In it all, we remember that our citizenship – our identity, belonging, and loyalty – is first to Christ and His kingdom.
7. Navigating the Tension
Living as disciples of Jesus within earthly societies involves ongoing tension. We balance responsibilities as earthly and heavenly citizens. We navigate complex factors in deciding when to comply or resist, obey or dissent, submit or protest.
This requires wisdom, humility, and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We earnestly seek to honor both realms appropriately. But when forced to choose, we obey God over men. Our allegiance to Jesus Christ and His kingdom is unrivaled.
This does not mean total withdrawal from earthly institutions. The Bible consistently affirms responsible participation in society. But it does mean that our core identity and highest loyalty is to Jesus Christ and the kingdom of heaven.
By God’s grace, we live out this dual citizenship with care and thoughtfulness. We submit to governing authorities in appropriate ways, while reserving our highest allegiance for Christ alone. His kingdom is our eternal home.
8. Until Christ Returns
The tensions between our earthly and heavenly citizenship will not be fully resolved until Christ returns to consummate His kingdom. At that time, the kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of God and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15). God’s will shall be done perfectly on earth as it is in heaven.
Until then, we live amid the tensions of conflicting allegiances. We walk by faith, not sight. We live as sojourners and exiles, ambassadors of a greater kingdom. We honor earthly institutions appropriately, but retain unrivaled loyalty to Jesus.
Jesus’ statement about Caesar reminds us that both realms have a claim on us. But when push comes to shove, we must obey God rather than men. Our citizenship in heaven matters more than any earthly status. By God’s grace, we navigate these tensions until the return of Christ.
Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!