How can Matthew 22:20 guide our interactions with government and civic duties? Setting the Scene “Show Me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He asked them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” (Matthew 22:19-20) The Point in a Single Sentence Jesus reminds us that whatever bears the government’s image belongs to the government, while whatever bears God’s image—our very selves—belongs wholly to Him. What Does That Mean for Us? • Coins carry Caesar’s likeness; people carry God’s likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). • Paying taxes or obeying laws is not competing with worship; it is part of honoring God’s established order (Romans 13:1-7). • Allegiance to Christ always outranks allegiance to the state (Acts 5:29). Practical Ways to “Render to Caesar” 1. Pay taxes without grumbling. – Romans 13:6: “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants.” 2. Obey lawful regulations—even the inconvenient ones. – Titus 3:1 calls us “to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient.” 3. Vote and participate. – Proverbs 11:11: “By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted.” Christian involvement can be that blessing. Practical Ways to “Render to God” • Guard your ultimate loyalty. – Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters.” • Uphold biblical convictions when laws conflict with Scripture. – Daniel 3 and Acts 4 demonstrate respectful but firm refusal to disobey God. • Live as salt and light. – Matthew 5:13-16: civic spaces need Christ-reflecting character more than partisan shouting. Handling Tension When Government Goes Off-Course • Use lawful means—speech, petition, peaceful protest—to seek change (Acts 16:37-39). • Accept consequences if obedience to God requires civil disobedience (Daniel 6:10-23). • Keep a Christlike tone: respect persons, even when resisting policies (1 Peter 2:17). Turning Civic Duty into Gospel Opportunity • Pay bills and taxes promptly; it testifies to integrity. • Speak graciously about leaders; it reflects trust in God’s sovereignty. • Serve in community roles—school boards, first responders, military, public office. Your presence brings godly influence (Jeremiah 29:7). A Closing Snapshot “Whose image is this?” The coin answered, “Caesar.” Our hearts answer, “God.” Give the government what bears its stamp; give the Lord everything stamped with His. |
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