In Mark 12:13–17, Jesus faces a cunning trap: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” The Pharisees and Herodians, unlikely allies, aim to ensnare Him. Say yes, and He loses credibility as Israel’s Messiah. Say no, and He risks Roman execution. Yet, Jesus’ response—“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”—reveals a profound truth: Christians are called to honor civil authority while reserving ultimate devotion for God.

The denarius, bearing Caesar’s image and titles like “son of God,” was more than money for Jews—it was a symbol of Roman oppression. Paying taxes felt like endorsing idolatry, funding cruelties like crucifixion stakes and bloody circuses. Yet, Jesus affirms that governments, even unjust ones, exist by God’s sovereign permission. Romans 13:1 reinforces this: “There’s no authority except from God.” Paying taxes, then, is not just civic duty but an act of trust in God’s ordering of society.

This doesn’t mean blind compliance. When authorities demand disobedience to God, we resist by obeying Him, as Daniel did, quietly praying despite a royal ban (Daniel 6:10). In our context, we may vote or advocate, but we’re called to submit to leaders, even when policies frustrate us, because government is God’s gift for stability. This frees us to focus on our higher calling: worshiping the One who alone deserves our allegiance.

Encouraging Thought: Trust God’s sovereignty over rulers. Pray for strength to honor authorities while keeping your heart fixed on Him, knowing He ordains all for His glory.