They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. — Matthew 22:21
We often hear this verse referenced in regards to a political or governmental reference. People often use it to discuss what is the right support for a government or political position. You could certainly make assumptions from the text about things such as politics, but the statement by Jesus goes far beyond political parties and preferences.
The crowd presented Jesus with a coin that had Caesar’s image on it. He knew who Caesar was, but asked the crowd to identify him. He quickly told them that it was something of Caesar and should be rendered back to Caesar. They were looking to trap Jesus into a position on politics and government.
That’s the same position that many Christians will find themselves in today. They find themselves trapped between opinions of one side versus another, with people constantly vying for their opinion. It’s a trap that many people will fall for missing the idea and concept that Jesus taught in this verse.
Jesus is not teaching to ignore politics and culture, but He is telling the people to not be consumed by the things of the world. We are not of this world and there is something greater living within us than anything this world has to offer. Rather than giving of ourselves to those things the world wants to consume us with, we should be consumed with giving of our lives, time, effort, and all that we are to the cause of Christ.
If lives are properly submitted to God, a Christian will never find themselves torn by the allegiance demands of the world. Our allegiance is to God first and foremost. Everything else falls in line behind Him.
