Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s

.... and to God the things that are God’s” (Luke 20:25). Jesus was immensely popular with the crowds (until Good Friday), and the scribes and the chief priests were trying to trap Him, asking Him “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” The idea is that He would be in trouble either way. “But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s” (verses 23, 24). The title is His answer, and it confounded them. As with many of the things Jesus said, it was left to the apostles to expound what lies behind this, and there are two passages that are particularly relevant and need to be taken together.

The first is Romans 13:1-3 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good.” It is noteworthy that this was written to the Church in Rome, where the hated Caesar was the ultimate authority. But all this raises the question of does one always have to obey? After all at the Nuremberg trials Nazi after Nazi's defence was in essence that he was simply obeying orders from an authority instituted by God (they may not have evoked God's name, but you know what I am saying).

The second Scripture is “But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge'” (Acts 4:19). This was their answer to the religious authorities who had charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus (verse 18). I mean if the Romans passage is true, and it is, then this authority was also instituted by God. In fact Scripture even says of the hight priest Chaiaphas, that he prophesied (John 11:51). And Peter and John's response gives us the answer to the above question, we must obey unless what is being required disobeys God. In particular the Nazi murderers cannot use obedience as an excuse. But how far does that go? Can I simply ignore laws I don't agree with? I think not. When everyone does what is right in his own eyes chaos ensues (Judges 17:6).

Father, I don't suppose that this answer is anymore popular that was Jesus answer when the crowd actually figured out what He was saying. But Lord Your rules and regulations are there by and large to protect us. But this does leave room for civil disobedience when it is warranted. Help us to know when it is Lord, and when it is please give us courage, and help us to be willing to pay the price. Help us to know when to speak and when to be silent. Principles are not enough Lord, we need the guidance that comes with our relationship with You, so we can truly know what to do. Help us to be diligent to pray for our leaders Lord, and we pray these things in Jesus Name Amen