REJECTION OF JESUS

In a world that often feels divided between the secular and the sacred, how do we as people of faith navigate our dual roles as citizens of earth and citizens of heaven? This age-old question takes on new relevance as we examine the profound wisdom found in Jesus' response to those who sought to trap him with a question about paying taxes.

The scene unfolds with religious leaders approaching Jesus, their words dripping with false flattery: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly, and you are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth." Their honeyed words masked a devious intent - to catch Jesus in a statement that would either turn the people against him or allow them to report him to Roman authorities.

Their question seemed simple enough: "Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" Yet it was a carefully crafted trap. If Jesus said yes, he risked alienating those who resented Roman rule. If he said no, he could be accused of inciting rebellion against Rome.

But Jesus, in his infinite wisdom, saw through their duplicity. He asked for a coin and inquired, "Whose likeness and inscription does it have?" When they replied "Caesar's," Jesus delivered one of the most profound statements on the relationship between faith and civic duty: "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

This succinct response carries deep implications for how we live out our faith in the world today. It acknowledges that there are indeed two realms - the earthly and the heavenly - and that we have obligations to both. But it also subtly reminds us of a greater truth: while Caesar's image may be on the coin, God's image is stamped on every human being.

So what does it mean to render unto Caesar? The apostle Paul expands on this concept in Romans 13, urging believers to be subject to governing authorities, recognizing that God has established them for the good of society. This includes paying taxes, showing respect, and being good citizens. As temporary residents in this world, we are called to seek the welfare of the cities where we live, to pray for our leaders, and to be a positive influence in society.

But our primary allegiance is always to God. When human laws conflict with God's commands, we must follow the example of the apostles who declared, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). We see this courage exemplified in the stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who respectfully but firmly refused to compromise their faith even in the face of deadly consequences.

The call to "render to God the things that are God's" goes far beyond mere religious observance. It's a reminder that we bear God's image and likeness. Just as the coin bearing Caesar's image belonged to Caesar, we who bear God's image belong fully to Him. This means offering our whole selves - our talents, our resources, our very lives - in service to God's kingdom.

But here's where many of us stumble. We may dutifully pay our taxes and follow the laws of the land, but do we truly render unto God what is His? Do we recognize the immense value we hold as bearers of His image? Or do we, like those religious leaders, stand amazed at the truth yet remain silent and unchanged?

The story of the coin carries another powerful lesson. Just as currency taken out of circulation returns to its maker to be either preserved or destroyed, so too will we one day return to our Maker. The question is, will we be welcomed into His presence as faithful servants who used our lives to further His kingdom? Or will we face separation from the One whose image we bear?

This challenges us to examine our lives. Are we more concerned with preserving our earthly comfort and status than with furthering God's kingdom? Do we compartmentalize our faith, rendering lip service to God on Sundays while living for ourselves the rest of the week? Or do we seek to integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, recognizing that all we have and all we are belongs to God?

Living out this balance requires wisdom and discernment. We are called to be "in the world but not of it," to be good citizens while never forgetting our true citizenship is in heaven. This means engaging in our communities, seeking the welfare of our cities, and being a light in dark places. It means praying for our leaders - even those we disagree with - and working for the common good. But it also means standing firm on God's truth, even when it's unpopular or costly.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, may we hold fast to the profound truth Jesus revealed. Let us render unto Caesar what is Caesar's - being model citizens who contribute positively to society. But above all, let us render unto God what is God's - our whole selves, lived out in loving obedience to Him.

For in the end, the coin bearing Caesar's image will return to dust, but those who bear God's image and live for His glory will shine for all eternity. May we be found faithful, having rendered unto God the most precious thing we could ever give - ourselves.