The Christian and Government | Mark 12:13–17


The chief priests and the rest may have physically departed (v. 12), but they aren’t done with Jesus.  We read in v. 13 “they sent” Pharisees and Herodians “to trap Him in a statement.”  The compliments of verse fourteen were mere flatteries attempting to snare Him. 

They ask Him about taxes.  Some zealots advocated withholding all taxes, knowing that it would invite the wrath of the Romans.  If Jesus sided with them, He would be branded a dissident.  If, however, He flatly affirmed taxes, then He risked alienating His followers—a lose/lose scenario.  Far from falling for their trap, His answer chastens both groups.

Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.  The very coins that they use to engage in commerce bear the image and inscription of Caesar.  Rome did more than mint this currency: it provided the benefits of pax romana (Roman peace) through good roads and soldiers who would stop those bent on evil.  Taxes benefit the people who decry them, and the Lord commands that they be paid.

Render to God the things that are God’s.  Believers understand that God sovereignly works through even sinful nations—the heart of the king is in the Lord’s hand (Pv 21:1).  Ultimately, then, the problem we have with the powers that be is a problem with the authority of God Who appoints them. 

This was the Apostle Paul’s understanding in Romans 13:1–7.  His conclusion is the same—“Render to all what is due them” (v. 7).  This doesn’t mean we can’t petition for change, but nor does it mean that we rebel.  To idolize government or to anathematize it are equal errors.

We worship the Lord of Hosts.  We obey because He commands us to do so (Ti 3:1–2; 1 Pt 2:13–17).  He even commands us to pray for those in authority (2 Tm 2:1–6).  If our hearts are instructed by the Lord, then we seek the salvation of those in power, and see our obedience to them as our spiritual act of worship of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

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