When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; (without partiality) 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? 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.” So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” 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.” (Mark 12:13-17).
What makes this question even more intriguing is that it came from two opposing groups who had come together to test Jesus. The Pharisees were experts of Jewish religious tradition and resented Roman rule with its pagan idolatry and confession of Caesar as lord. They resented even more the idolatrous inscription on Roman coinage. So when the Pharisees asked Jesus whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, they had a mutual agenda against Christ. If He said that Jews should pay taxes to a caesar who was the focus of the Imperialist government, they would accuse Him of supporting Roman values and blasphemy. The Herodians on the other hand, brought another view point, an angle to the question. They focused on the political rather than the spiritual. They felt that the Jewish people should support the Roman appointed, and largely non-jewish Herodian dynasty, over which came sensual pleasures of Rome. The Herodians therefore, would accuse Jesus of treason if He said that the Jews should not pay taxes. Jesus showed how the people of God can live out their duel citizenship, instead of choosing between God and Caesar, He acknowledged Caesar’s rightful role as governor under the higher rule of God. Caesar was indeed owed taxes, But God alone deserved all worship and ultimate loyalty.
Beloved friend, Tax season has just ended, yet, for some it still continues. If your a Christian, don’t feel ashamed or angry because you still owe, Let God get all the glory, with a heart that’s bowed to Him alone, and ask for His help to pay what you owe. Obedience to the governing laws is part of the Christian’s duties to remain loyal to a higher authority. An authority that has its kingdom not from this world. Which is your inheritance!
May the Lord bless your walk!
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Dual Citizenship | Ronald Trujillo’s Blog
Dual Citizenship | Ronald Trujillo’s Blog
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