Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray With Me”.

In Mark 12, the Pharisees compliment Jesus: “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity, and you teach God’s truth without wavering” (Mark 12:17).

Lovely. 

But it was only flattery, followed by a loaded question, “Is it right to pay tax to Caesar?” 

Rome had occupied the Promised Land God gave to Israel. If Jesus recommends paying taxes, his popularity tanks. If he recommends not paying taxes, Rome will crucify him as a rebel.   

Jesus said, “Show me the tax money” (Mark 12:15), and he asked, “Whose image is on the coin?” 

“Caesar’s,” they replied. Jesus said, “So what’s your problem? Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give God what belongs to God” (Mark 12:17).  

Let’s consider three ways of interpreting this story. 

Roman Catholics say that all authority, religious or secular, is instituted by God. Secular governments are not only supposed to prevent murder, theft, chaos, and abuse, they are to maintain peace and order. Religious authority comes from the pope, Christ’s representative on earth. 

This interpretation takes Jesus’ comment about taxation as a general principle that  Christians must support secular governments and religious authorities–especially when the religious authority is the pope.  

In another interpretation, Gandhi said Jesus’ statement was ironic. He said that when they showed Jesus the coin, Jesus replied with withering scorn, “You honor Caesar by keeping his picture in your pocket, spending his money, and receiving the benefits of Roman rule? The whole trajectory of your life supports Caesar’s system, and you squabble about taxes?” Gandhi believed Jesus’ teaching supports non-cooperation with the ruling powers. (Wikipedia, Render Unto Caesar (June 8,2025))

A third interpretation divides life into two categories: things that belong to God and things that belong to Caesar. The difficulty? How to fit everything into the right slot. 

When my church needs money, they don’t ask, “What are those pictures on the money you’re donating? Surely they’re not corrupt politicians? We don’t want that kind of money in our church!” No indeed. My church says, “Your money belongs to God. Give some to the church, no matter the picture, and we’ll give you a receipt so Caesar can give you a tax break.” 

My money and I participate actively in Caesar’s kingdom and Christ’s. But my heart and mind belong to Christ, not Caesar.

Let’s pray. 

O Father, as willing participants in world commerce, we enjoy protection and tax deductions from secular governments. 

Help us not to give more to Caesar than we should. Our hearts belong to you. Our trust is not in armies and presidents and constitutions because our salvation is a gift from you alone. 

Politicians are nefarious, governments capricious, money fleeting, and philosophies illusory. But your throne, O God, is forever and ever.

Help us find our place in your kingdom, in this world and the next.  

Amen. 

I’m Daniel, on the channel “Pray with Me”.  

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