Source sequence 67 of 85

Render To Caesar

Money and possessions, Authority and government

Scripture

Primary passage

Matthew 22:17–22

17 Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the tax money.” They brought to him a denarius. 20 He asked them, “Whose is this image and inscription?” 21 They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled, and left him and went away.

Primary passage · World English Bible

Mark

Mark 12:17

17 Jesus answered them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” They marveled greatly at him.

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

Luke

Luke 20:25

25 He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Unreviewed grouped account · World English Bible

The command

Hear what Jesus commands.

Give civil authorities what is properly due while giving your whole God-imaged life to God.

In context

Hear the whole passage.

Opponents use a tax question to trap Jesus between imperial and popular loyalties; He exposes their malice and answers without making Caesar ultimate.

What this reveals

What this reveals about God.

Jesus forms citizens who meet lawful obligations without surrendering worship, conscience, or ultimate allegiance to the state.

Practice this command

Take one concrete step.

Identify one civic obligation and one kingdom allegiance relevant this week. Fulfill the obligation honestly while refusing any demand that belongs only to God.

Discuss

Talk about it.

What legitimately belongs to civil authority, and what can never be surrendered because it belongs to God?

Pray

Pray this.

God, give us wisdom and courage to honor rightful authority while giving our worship and whole allegiance to you alone.

Teach

Teach it simply.

Avoid using the saying as unlimited state endorsement; Jesus distinguishes obligations while asserting God's greater claim.

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