Kingdom Commitments

Pastor Malcolm
Matthew 22:15-22
May 26, 2019

The Characters (22:16)

The disciples of the Pharisees – trainees, sent to do the dirty work

Herodians – (only time mentioned), loyalists to the members of Herod’s family

The Pharisees and Herodians are

, advocating strongly

Reveal Answer

• Pharisee’s see the Romans as a foreign occupying force unworthy of respect
• Herodians welcome Rome’s political stability for personal power

Jesus – Four truths about Jesus’ character

• Reveal Answer
  – “Teacher, we know that you are true”
• Reveal Answer
  – “and teach the way of God truthfully”
• Reveal Answer
  – “and you do not care about anyone’s opinion”
• Reveal Answer
  – “for you are not swayed by appearances”

The Motive (22:15, 18)

– tricking someone into a crime to secure their prosecution

Seeking to

Jesus among the people or cause Him to speak

Reveal Answer

Understanding the Question (22:17)

Is it permissible for the people of God to express allegiance to a pagan leader?

• Yes! – Jesus would agree with the Herodians, but
  Reveal Answer
  Pharisees and followers
• No! – Jesus would agree with the Pharisees, but encourage
  Reveal Answer
  against Rome

Jesus’ Answer (22:19-21)

• There are always obligations to the state: whatever is due to Caesar must be paid
• However, all our obligations are centered in our unwavering allegiance to God

Principles as Jesus’ Disciples

• Human government has
  Reveal Answer
  authority, but not
  Reveal Answer
  authority (1 Peter 2:13-17; Acts 4:19)
• Christians are never to serve Caesar
  Reveal Answer
  (we are to be a gospel witness in all things, sometimes even in disobedience)
• Serving Caesar must be done in ways that bring
  Reveal Answer