The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & Submission

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22

Intro: Today we examine a familiar encounter where Jesus' opponents try to trap Him with a question about taxes. Pharisees (religious authority) and Herodians (political authority), though usually opposed, unite to entangle Jesus. Their question, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?" seems straightforward, but it's a carefully laid trap. Jesus' brilliant answer shifts the focus from taxes to the much deeper issues of allegiance and submission.

Key Points:

1. The Trap Set (vv. 15-17): Using flattery ("Teacher, we know you are true... not swayed by appearances"), they pose a loaded question. A "yes" to taxes would anger Jewish nationalists; a "no" would invite Roman charges of treason. They seek to discredit Him, not find truth.
2. Hypocrisy Exposed (vv. 18-21a): Jesus recognizes their malice ("Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?"). He asks for the tax coin, a denarius bearing Caesar's image (eikon) and inscription ("Son of the divine Augustus," "High Priest"). By carrying this "portable idol," His religious questioners reveal their own compromised position.
3. Render to Caesar (v. 21b): When they identify Caesar's image on the coin, Jesus instructs, "Therefore render [give back] to Caesar the things that are Caesar's." He acknowledges a sphere of obligation to earthly government, symbolized by the coin bearing its image.
4. Render to God (v. 21c): This is the crucial command. What bears God's image (eikon)? Humans, created in His likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). Just as the coin belongs to Caesar, we, bearing God's image, belong entirely to Him. Our primary allegiance is to give ourselves back to God.
5. God's Ultimate Ownership: Since God owns everything (Psalm 24:1), including rulers and nations, rendering to Caesar is subordinate to, and ideally an expression of, rendering to God. Our ultimate allegiance must be to Him.
6. Submission and Its Limits (Romans 13; Acts 5:29): We generally submit to governing authorities as they are instituted by God (Rom 13). This submission is motivated by love for God and neighbor. However, when earthly authority commands disobedience to God's clear commands, our ultimate allegiance requires us to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29), respectfully and willing to face consequences (like Daniel).

Conclusion: This passage isn't primarily about tax policy but about ultimate loyalty. The coin bears Caesar's image, so give it back. You bear God's image – therefore, give your whole self, your ultimate allegiance, back to Him. All other loyalties and submissions must align under this primary commitment to God through Jesus Christ.

Call to Action: Whose image do you bear? Have you truly rendered yourself – your life, heart, allegiance – to God? If you've never submitted your life fully to Jesus, today is the day. Recognize He claims ownership because you are made in His image. For believers, examine your allegiances. Are earthly loyalties submitted under your ultimate allegiance to Christ? Do you submit to authorities out of love for God and others? Reflect and respond in prayer and commitment.

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The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & Submission (Matthew 22:15-22)
with Matt Flummer