Jesus Questioned About the Tribute

GOLDEN TEXT: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.” —Luke 20:25

LUKE 20:19-26

THE first loyalty of every true Christian is to God. In the United States, and certain other countries of the so-called “free world,” the civil laws take this into consideration, so that a follower of Jesus need not violate his conscience in order to be a law-abiding citizen. In countries where this favorable situation exists a Christian has little difficulty in applying the principle of rendering unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things which are God’s.

To a considerable degree this was true in Palestine at the time of Christ. The Jewish people then were subjects of the Roman Empire, and while the emperors of that world power had arrogated to themselves the title, “Pontifex Maximus,” meaning chief religious ruler, the policy of the government was to permit subjugated people to observe their religious rites and ceremonies with little or no interference. Thus the Jewish people were free to worship God as they pleased so long as they did not foster a spirit of insurrection against Rome.

Besides, Rome occupied a unique position in the world at that time, being the fourth great world power foretold in the prophecy recorded in Daniel 2:31-44, and illustrated by the human-like image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. Babylon was the first of these world powers, represented by the head of the image, and Rome the fourth, illustrated by the legs of iron. “The God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory,” Daniel said to the king of Babylon; and that grant of authority carried through to all four empires pictured in the image.—vs. 37

It was because of this situation that the Apostle Paul could write, “The powers that be are ordained [Greek, “arrange in an orderly manner”] of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God.” (Rom. 13:1,2) We are not to understand that in granting this lease of power to certain Gentile governments God sanctioned everything they did. It was simply that he saw the need for a certain degree of law and order being maintained to make possible the development of his own people, that they might be prepared to live and reign with Christ.

In writing to Timothy, Paul said, “I exhort [margin, desire] therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty.” (I Tim. 2:1,2) This indicates that the Christian’s prayers for kings and rulers are not that God might bless their exploits, but that under their rulership conditions would be favorable for the Lord’s people.

After the apostles fell asleep in death, the spirit of ambition began to manifest itself among the leaders of the church, and this ultimately led to the transformation of the Roman Empire from pagan to papal, with the popes assuming the title, “Pontifex Maximus,” instead of the Roman emperors. This presented a new problem to those humble, conscientious followers of the Master who were not willing to accept the popes as the vicegerents of Christ and render blind obedience to them.

Refusal to bow the knee to this unholy union of church and state under the popes of Rome led to an era of cruel persecution characterized by the “Holy Inquisition,” and other forms of torture inflicted upon the faithful followers of the lowly Jesus who himself suffered and died at the hands of the jealous religious rulers of his day.

We can thank God that at least in some countries today a higher degree of civilization prevails, and that emphasis is being placed on the right of everyone to worship and serve God according to the dictates of conscience. Where this situation prevails, the matter of rendering to “Caesar” the things which belong to him without interfering with our full devotion to God is not a difficult one, for decisions do not need to be made under duress and threats of the torture rack.

But even in the twentieth century this is not true in all parts of the world, for today there are many languishing in prison whose only “crime” has been to stand firm for the principles of righteousness and truth to which they have dedicated their lives. We thank God for that glorious coming time, when, under the rulership of Christ’s kingdom, the rebuke of his people will be taken away from the whole earth.—Isa. 25:6-8

QUESTIONS

What is the Christian’s first loyalty?

Was there religious freedom in Palestine at the time of Christ?

Explain the prophetic position of the Roman Empire.

For what purpose should Christians pray for rulers?

Explain the cause for persecution of Christians during the Dark Ages.

When will God’s people cease to be persecuted?

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