In Luke 20, the Gospel writer said that the enemies of Christ sent in spies to try to trap Him. And after careful consideration, they found the perfect opportunity… or so they thought. This crowd had a mix of people. On one hand, it consisted of the Sadducees who had power and wanted to keep the Romans happy so they could remain in power. On the other hand, it consisted of Zealots who believed that God had given the Jews a divine deed to Israel and that they should bow to no authority but God. This mix was always a powder keg ready to blow, and the enemies of Christ would try to use Him as the fuse.
The trap: conquered lands were required to pay taxes to Rome and Israel was no different. The Sadducees wanted to peacefully pay the taxes but the Zealots felt it was sinful to do so. This was the classic no-win scenario that would certainly anger at least half of Jesus’ supporters, or worse, cause the Romans to step in to arrest Him as an insurrectionist. And once the enemies of Christ could get His supporters fighting among themselves, or cause the Romans to step in and take action against Him, they could waltz in and pick up the pieces.
“Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” (Luke 20:22-25 ESV).
One side of the coin had an image of Tiberius and an inscription that equated to “The Son Of God” and the other side had an image of Tiberius’ mother and an inscription that equated to “High Priest”. This would have made paying taxes with this coin all the more repugnant to the Jews. But Jesus answers in all wisdom as only God can do. As much as possible, His followers always serve as peaceful citizens. We give to the government what is due them- taxes, obedience and honor. This is confirmed throughout the New Testament.
But we give to God What is due Him- That is 100% of our allegiance. As long as service to the government does not take from God, part of our service to Him is to live peacefully and lawfully as much as is within our power. But when the government encroaches on what is due God-
“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20 ESV).
The time may come when the government asks us to render to them the things that belong to God alone. When that time comes, we must have the same spirit that Peter and John had. We must be willing to obey God rather than man. I pray that all Christians everywhere have the wisdom and boldness to render to God His due and the meekness and humility to render unto Caesar his due.
“And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.” (Luke 20:26 ESV).
My 5-year-old son asked for about 10 kinds of candy while checking out at Walmart. I told him “No.”
When we got home, he tried to play ball in the road. I told him “No.”
When dinner came around, he decided he wanted Lay's potato chips and nothing else. I told him “No.”
He later got mad at his older brother and started to hit him. I told him “No.”
At bed time, he wanted to stay up and watch cartoons. I told him “No.”
It may not feel good at the moment, but when we think about it, aren't we glad that God loves us enough not to spoil us with every whim and desire we ask Him for?
What if Jesus came today? Would you be filled with joy and anticipation or fear and dread?
There will be a generation that will hear the Archangel announce the return of The King and the trumpets sounding around the world. That generation could very well be ours.
If we are that generation, will we run out to get everyone we know to welcome His return or will our first thought be to run and hide from His presence?
Today, live each moment knowing that sometime today, you will hear that voice and that trumpet. Treat your family well. Love your neighbor. Share your faith. Praise your God. And if tomorrow comes, live that day the same way. When the time actually comes, be ready and not caught off guard.
I'm praying for you all. I'm praying for me.
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20 ESV).
We are one day closer to the Lord’s return. Are you ready?
One of my biggest fears: On the Day of Judgment hearing my kids say, “My daddy didn't tell me anything about that.”
Have you ever felt the weight of your past sins press so hard on you that you began to think, “Why would my kids ever listen to me now? Why would my spouse believe me this time? How could I influence my friends when they know the truth about me?”
Remember that it's Satan who wants you to create these self-fulfilling prophecies. It's God who gives you the strength and grace to become a new creature.
God is not glorified because of our strength to live the way we should. He is glorified when, in our weakness, we submit to Him and let His Word make us something we are not.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV).