The Politics of Jesus
Scott McKinney
May 5th, 2024
Matthew 22
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to trap Him by what He said. They sent their disciples to Him, with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are truthful and teach truthfully the way of God. You defer to no one, for You don’t show partiality. Tell us, therefore, what You think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” —Matthew 22:15-17 (HCSB)
The political divide in Israel was between two extremes.
The Zealots were
The Herodians were
If Jesus answers one way- the Zealots might kill him.
If he answers the other way- The Romans could kill him.
“But perceiving their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing Me, hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought Him a denarius. “Whose image and inscription is this?” He asked them. “Caesar’s,” they said to Him. Then He said to them, “Therefore give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.” —Matthew 22:18-22 (HCSB)
Jesus gives an answer that offends
We cannot give Caesar our
Jesus tells us two things about our relationship to government.
We must give to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar.
“Honor the king and fear the Lord.” —1 Peter 2:17
We must give to God that which alone belongs to God-
Jesus
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.” —Luke 19:41 (NIV)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. —1 Peter 2:9 (HCSB)
Ultimately, we are