Heart Loyalty

“Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s"—Luke 20:25

According to the book of Luke, the day after cleansing the Temple, Jesus returned to the Temple where He was teaching and preaching the gospel. He was questioned by the chief priests, scribes and elders as to the source of His authority, which He promised to reveal if they could answer His question about where the baptism of John came from: heaven or men? They answered that they didn’t know, to which Jesus responded that He wouldn’t then reveal the source of His authority. He then told a parable that indicted the religious elite for failing to understand or recognize the kingdom of God, thus enraging them at His lack of respect for their position and power. They sought to “lay hands on Him” but they feared the people, so they decided to send spies to trap Him in His words and, they hoped, get Him arrested by the Roman authorities for circumventing Roman rule and possibly promoting insurrection.

Pretending to be sincere followers, they began by flattering Him:  

“Teacher, we know that You speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.” 

But their real intent was shown in their next statement: “Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” What a question! It seemed foolproof to the Jewish authorities. If He said that they should pay taxes, then the Jewish people might revolt, because it was a hot-button political issue among Jews, for they were already over-taxed. Not to mention that there were some who believed that for them to pay pagan rulers any money at all directly violated God’s Lordship over His people. And then there was the other option: if He said that they shouldn’t pay taxes, He could be arrested immediately for promoting insurrection. It was foolproof from the Jewish leaders’ standpoint. They had Him either way! If He stood for Rome, the people would turn against Him and they wouldn't have to worry about Him so much anymore. And if He stood for the people against Rome, then He could be arrested and taken away so that they wouldn't have to deal with Him anymore.

Jesus’ answer is profound. Aware of their intent and hypocrisy, He asks to see a coin required to pay the tax—a denarius which had Caesar’s portrait on it, much like American coins have past presidents and founding fathers on them today. He then asks the question, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” The people listening responded, “Caesar’s.” He then says, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” He answered them both! His response indicated that it was right to pay taxes, even to a pagan government, thus placating the Roman rulers, but when He said, “Render…to God the things that are God’s,” He revealed that God is the Lord of Life and wants more than our money—He wants our entire lives.

Taxes are one aspect of this earthly life, but God wants more. His Lordship is not just seen in where our money goes, but where our hearts are. He wants the whole person! He wants our heart—a metaphor for the center of our will. He wants our head—our thoughts, attitudes, hopes, dreams and desires. And He wants our hands—our actions. These three together: heart, head, and hands, reveal the totality of our being. And God wants it all. He is the Rightful Ruler of all creation and as such He desires, deserves, and demands the totality of our being!

Have we rendered to Him what is already His—that is to say, ourselves? Have we allowed Him to be the Lord He is? Are we living our lives under His authority and guidance? Or are we trying to placate Him by throwing Him scraps like a dog, saying, “Here You go, God! Go get it!” May we see God for who He is and may we give Him all of who we are—and when we do, may we experience the peace and joy that are the fruit of trusting in Him who is our heart’s desire (Psalm 37:4)—God Himself. Amen.