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Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how to entangle him in his talk.
And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God truthfully, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the money for the tax.” And they brought him a coin. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled; and they left him and went away.
The motivation of the Pharisees and the Herodians in questioning Jesus about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar was quickly exposed by Jesus’ response: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are the Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). As citizens of the empire, they owed the emperor allegiance but, first and foremost, they owed God allegiance, for “there is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1).
As adopted children of our heavenly Father, we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom. We are called and chosen to be a holy people, set apart for God’s praise and glory (Ephesians 1:4-6). The Father wants us to share his divine life now as well as in eternity, to develop an intimacy of relationship with him, speaking with him in prayer and hearing from him through his word. We are gifted with the high dignity of being made in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). We have received a privileged citizenship and, with it, a call to extend God’s kingdom on earth.
This is why, even as a people set apart, we need to see the importance of public affairs. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council taught: “The Church regards as worthy of praise and consideration the work of those who, as a service to others, dedicate themselves to the welfare of the state and undertake the burdens of this task” (On the Church in the Modern World, 75). Followers of Christ are called to bring an authentic Christian voice to governmental and political affairs.
The Christian life is not set in opposition to civil life. As a result of our first parents’ decision to usurp God’s authority (Genesis 3:1-19), obedience to authority, whatever its nature, goes against our desire for independence. Even so, Jesus died that all people might acknowledge God’s authority in their lives. By appropriating his power and that of his cross, the desires of our fallen nature can be overcome; by our witness of obedience, God’s kingdom can come and reign among us. God’s plan for our lives far exceeds our imaginings. His plan includes obedience to the laws of governing authorities—and God’s plan will not be thwarted. The prophet Isaiah recognized Cyrus of Persia as God’s instrument for fulfilling his plan for the Jews to be returned from exile in Babylon to restore Jerusalem and its temple (Isaiah 45:1,4-6). Let us pray that our minds be penetrated by the light of the Holy Spirit so that we may recognize and respond to God’s plan for us.