Government and God
There are a lot of people who do not like to pay taxes to the government. We have so many taxes today that they can be a burden. In Jesus' day the taxes went to the Roman Empire, so since the people resented the Roman rule over their land, they were against taxes. That is why they tried to trick Jesus by asking Him a question about paying taxes. They thought His answer would get Him in trouble, either with them or with the government. However, He surprised them with the perfect response. (Luke 20:25) All they could do was to walk away stunned. We need to hear what He said today, too.
Jesus told the Jewish leaders to "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." The word "render" is the pivotal word in understanding Jesus' solution. It means to "give what is due." The government is due our taxes, because of the things they do for us. They protect us from enemies and provide money for roads, parks, and many other things that we enjoy. Also, the government is ordained by God, so we are to submit to their authority, unless they contradict what God tells us to do. Then, when it come to God, He is due all of our worship, our devotion, and our trust. One aspect of worship is giving our tithes, so He is due 10% of all we make, too. In fact, God is due all of our life, because He is the one who sent His Only-Begotten Son to die for us and rise again, so we could be saved from our sins. We must not withhold from the government or from God what is due them, or we will face serious consequences.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Luke 22-24 and John 1.
Jesus told the Jewish leaders to "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's." The word "render" is the pivotal word in understanding Jesus' solution. It means to "give what is due." The government is due our taxes, because of the things they do for us. They protect us from enemies and provide money for roads, parks, and many other things that we enjoy. Also, the government is ordained by God, so we are to submit to their authority, unless they contradict what God tells us to do. Then, when it come to God, He is due all of our worship, our devotion, and our trust. One aspect of worship is giving our tithes, so He is due 10% of all we make, too. In fact, God is due all of our life, because He is the one who sent His Only-Begotten Son to die for us and rise again, so we could be saved from our sins. We must not withhold from the government or from God what is due them, or we will face serious consequences.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Luke 22-24 and John 1.