- God and Governing Officials
Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. – Mark 12:17
The Gospels in the New Testament record how the Jewish leaders continually tested Jesus. Today’s verse comes from a passage in which Mark provides an account of when the Pharisees questioned Him about whether or not it was right for them to pay taxes.
“Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” (Mark 12:14). Jesus responded by asking for a coin. After looking at it and pointing out Caesar’s face that was stamped on it, Jesus gave an answer that left all of them marveling: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17).
Christ was telling the people that by using his coins, they were recognizing Caesar’s authority over the government, therefore obliging them to pay the taxes he required. If the people wanted to take advantage of the benefits that came with the rule of government, then they should also be prepared to submit to the governing official, provided it did not hinder their service to God. In the same way, the Lord has stamped Himself on the hearts of His children. Therefore, all Christ-followers ought to be prepared to obey God, even above the state.
It may be challenging at times to reconcile the line between the authority of governing officials and God’s authority. Jesus’ answer in Mark 12 helps to navigate that question. Ask the Lord to give you the wisdom to know how to respond to situations in which edicts of the state oppose His Word. Pray for the humility to accept officials He has appointed to govern and be in authority, and intercede for them to receive His guidance in their work.
Today’s Verse: Mark 12:17
Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 13:1-7
13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
