Caesar versus God
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Jesus refuses to play the games of the religious leaders. This can serve as a warning for us.
Jesus legitimizes the state/government. (Paul would later expound on this subject).
Yet, Jesus does not give a “blank check” to government.
Jesus’ approach is interesting. He does not promote violence but also seems to make it clear the Christian has a power above the government. He would talk about this is a few short moments in the Gospel of Mark.
Whose image do you have marked on you?
The mark of Jesus
Love
Sacrifice for others
Church and State
Church and State
These two areas of life can cause quite the debate and struggle, even for Christians. Church history is filled with those who disagreed on this subject. Even today we have great debate.
What role should Christians have in the government?
What role should Christians have in the government?
Once again this question has been debated throughout time and continues to do so. Can a Christian in good conscience serve in our military, some would say no. To be fair, honest and transparent this morning, I cannot answer this question in just one message. I hope to lay out a couple principles which may be important as you answer the question for yourself.
No man shall be required to worship or maintain a worship against his will. Roger Williams
No man shall be required to worship or maintain a worship against his will. Roger Williams
Hate is strong.
Hate is strong.
This is what unified the Pharisees and Herodians. Though we do not know much about the Herodians, we believe they were pro-Rome all the way. The Pharisees didn’t like Rome very much but their survival as a power base required the Romans.
Jesus sees hypocrisy.
Jesus sees hypocrisy.
we cannot play games with Jesus. He sees right through our flattery, our worship of Sundays straight to our hearts. He cannot be fooled.
Caesar’s Coin.
Caesar’s Coin.
Tiberius Caesar Augustus Son of the Divine Augustus
Tiberius Caesar Augustus Son of the Divine Augustus
Front & Back of coin
Highest Priest
Highest Priest
As we can tell this would cause quite the issue with some Jews, in particular the conservative Pharisees.
Be cautious about power.
Be cautious about power.
Use wisdom.
Use wisdom.
This is what we see Jesus doing in this whole scene, and his whole life.
The state is to be given its due.
The state is to be given its due.
Even bad leaders are to be given some due because of being in leadership. However, we must remember to not give the state too much due or control. The coin had the image of Caesar on it and so should go back to him.
Remember God’s image on you.
Remember God’s image on you.
Yet, Jesus went on to say give back to God what is God’s. We each have the mark of our creator on us. Genesis 1.27 states were are made in His image. We are God’s.
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
All of you, slave and free both, were once held hostage in a sinful society. Then a huge sum was paid out for your ransom. So please don’t, out of old habit, slip back into being or doing what everyone else tells you.
It is a matter of authority/priority.
It is a matter of authority/priority.
Who gets final say? God or state? Christian American or American Christian
Who do you look like?
Who do you look like?
Boils down to love.
Boils down to love.
Love God first!
Love God first!
Love others next.
Love others next.