"So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." - Matthew 22:21
This statement from Jesus is one of the most profound and thought-provoking verses in the New Testament. While it is often quoted in discussions about paying taxes, it carries far deeper implications. What does this passage truly mean for us as Christ-followers today? Let’s explore its historical context and the spiritual truths that challenge us to live with a kingdom perspective.
"So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." - Matthew 22:21
This statement from Jesus is one of the most profound and thought-provoking verses in the New Testament. While it is often quoted in discussions about paying taxes, it carries far deeper implications. What does this passage truly mean for us as Christ-followers today? Let’s explore its historical context and the spiritual truths that challenge us to live with a kingdom perspective.
The Trap Set for Jesus
The words of Jesus in Matthew 22:21 came during a tense confrontation between Him and the Pharisees. They sought to trap Him with a politically charged question:
"Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
At that time, Israel was under Roman rule, and paying taxes to the emperor was a sore subject among the Jewish people. Saying “yes” would alienate Him from His Jewish followers, who resented Roman oppression. Saying “no” would paint Him as a revolutionary in the eyes of the Roman authorities.
But instead of falling into their trap, Jesus turned the question back on them. He asked for a denarius—a Roman coin bearing Caesar’s image—and posed a question of His own:
"Whose likeness and inscription is this?"
When they answered, “Caesar’s,” Jesus delivered His famous response:
"Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s."On a surface level, Jesus affirmed that people should fulfill their civic duties, including paying taxes. The coin bore Caesar’s image, signifying that it belonged to the government. By saying, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s,” Jesus acknowledged the legitimacy of human authority.
This teaching aligns with what the Apostle Paul later wrote in Romans 13:1-7, where he urged believers to submit to governing authorities, recognizing them as instruments of God’s order. Paying taxes, respecting laws, and contributing to society are responsibilities of every Christian.
Yet, Jesus did not stop with Caesar—He introduced a deeper spiritual truth.
Jesus followed His statement: "Render unto God what is God’s.” This raises an important question: What belongs to God?
To answer this, we must look at Genesis 1:27, which tells us that humanity is made in the image of God (Imago Dei). Just as the denarius bore Caesar’s image and belonged to him, we bear God’s image—meaning our entire lives belong to Him.
This truth calls us to complete surrender. While we owe taxes, respect, and obedience to earthly authorities, our ultimate allegiance is to God. He doesn’t just claim a portion of our income—He claims our hearts, minds, souls, and strength.
Many people compartmentalize their lives, separating the "secular" from the "sacred." Work, finances, and citizenship belong to the earthly realm, while prayer, worship, and church belong to God. But Jesus’ teaching destroys this false divide.
If everything belongs to God, then every aspect of our lives—including our work, relationships, finances, and civic responsibilities—should be offered to Him as an act of worship.
By pointing to the coin’s image, Jesus subtly challenges us:
Whose image do we bear?
To whom do we belong?
Where does our primary allegiance lie?
This is not just a lesson about paying taxes—it’s about our identity and purpose in God’s kingdom.
Jesus' words also highlight the temporary nature of earthly governments compared to God's eternal reign. Rome’s empire, like every human government, would eventually fall. But God’s kingdom is everlasting.
This is why Scripture reminds us:
"Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." - Philippians 3:20
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." - Matthew 6:19-20
While we must live responsibly within earthly systems, we do so with the understanding that our true home is in God’s unshakable kingdom.
Faithful Stewards in Both Realms
"Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s" is a call to faithful stewardship both in earthly and heavenly matters. As followers of Christ, we are called to:
Live with eternity in mind (prioritizing God's kingdom above all else).
Offer our whole lives to God (because we bear His image and belong to Him).
As 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us, we are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession." This identity should shape every decision we make, including how we manage our finances, serve others, and navigate our role in the world.
Ultimately, Jesus' response was not just a clever answer to a political trap but a profound statement of divine truth.
While we live in this world, we are not of it (John 17:16). Our ultimate purpose is not to accumulate wealth, power, or influence in earthly systems but to live in a way that reflects God's glory.
So, as you navigate financial decisions, work responsibilities, and civic duties, ask yourself:
Am I honoring God with everything I have?
Am I living as a faithful steward of both my earthly and heavenly citizenship?
Am I prioritizing the eternal over the temporary?
By faithfully rendering what is due to Caesar and God, we live as true citizens of heaven, bearing witness to His sovereignty and grace in a world that desperately needs Him.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
I'm on a limited budget, paying for school, and my husband covers more of the bills. We've been asked to give small gifts at work, like $10 for the boss, and contribute to other occasions. But these little gifts have added up, and I've spent over $200 in the last month. I don't have the budget for this. Is it wrong or unchristian of me not to want to give? Should I have a different mindset or tell my co-workers I don't have the budget for this?
I'm 57, and my wife and I are debt-free. We want to start a business together, but I'm unsure if it's too risky at my age. Am I ever too old to start a new venture? What process should I consider, and should I set it up as an LLC or sole proprietorship?
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
