"These [in Berea] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." - Acts 17:11
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Matthew 22:15-22 - Jesus' Parables and Authority:
Distinguishing God's Kingdom from Worldly Rule

(15) Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. (16) And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. (17) Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (18) But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? (19) Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. (20) And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” (21) They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (22) When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.

New King James Version®, Copyright© 1982, Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

Though people in the world heard what Jesus taught, marveling at it (Matthew 7:28-29), they did not believe what He said. Moreover, He intentionally taught principles in the form of parables so that they would not understand, but His disciples understood because He opened their minds (Matthew 13:10-17). His message, we can conclude, was not directed at the world at all.

When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar, He replies, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” He points out a clear distinction between God's Kingdom and the nations of the world: They have authority here on earth now and should be obeyed, but they were given that authority by God (Romans 13:1). He, then, is the ultimate authority. Though Jesus paid taxes to them (Matthew 17:24-27), His first loyalty was to God. As He said, we should follow Him.

— Martin G. Collins

To learn more, see:
Would Jesus Christ Vote? (Part Two)



 

Topics:

Rendering to Caesar

Would Jesus Vote?




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