"Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s

 

Jesus’ response in Matthew 22:17–21 — "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s" — is a masterful and layered answer to a trap question. Let’s unpack what He meant from multiple angles:

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🔹 Context of the Question

• The Pharisees and Herodians (politically opposing groups) asked Jesus if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.

• It was a trap:

  • If Jesus said "yes", the Jewish people, who resented Roman rule, would see Him as a collaborator.

  • If He said "no", the Roman authorities could accuse Him of sedition.

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🔹 Jesus' Response: Profound and Strategic

1. “Show Me the tribute coin”:

   • The coin (denarius) had Caesar’s image and inscription (likely “Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus”).

   • That image and inscription represented Caesar’s claim to authority.

2. “Whose image is this?” — “Caesar’s.”

   • Since the coin bears Caesar's image, it symbolically belongs to Caesar.

   • Jesus’ answer: Give back what belongs to Caesar.

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🔹 But There’s More: The Deeper Meaning

• “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s”: Yes, pay the tax; you use his money, live under his system — render his due.

• “And to God what is God’s”: Now here’s the spiritual punch.

What has God's image?

Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in His own image…”

Just as the coin bears Caesar’s image and belongs to Caesar, you bear God’s image — therefore, you belong to God.

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🔹 Key Implications

1. Civic duty vs. spiritual duty:

   • Jesus distinguishes between civil responsibility (paying taxes) and spiritual loyalty (devotion to God).

2. You owe Caesar money, but you owe God your life:

   • Don't let obedience to earthly powers distract from your duty to God.

3. Avoiding idolatry:

   • The denarius may bear the image of a self-proclaimed “divine” emperor, but true divinity belongs to God alone.

   • Jesus cleverly avoids affirming the emperor’s divine claims.

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🔹 In Short:

Jesus was saying:

“Yes, pay the tax. That money has Caesar’s face on it — it’s his system. But never forget: you bear God’s image. Give Caesar his coin, but give God your heart, soul, mind, and strength.”

A brilliant reply — deflecting a trap, upholding civic duty, and calling people back to their Creator.