Dual Citizenship

The Pharisees were on a rampage to entrap Jesus in an argument that could lead to His execution. In one instance, they sent their own disciples with the Herodians (Jews who supported Roman rule) to entangle Christ in a discussion that would either make Jesus an enemy of the Jews or a rebel in the eyes of Rome. They asked Him, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” (Matthew 22:17).

Christ didn’t hesitate to call their bluff. “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money” (v. 18, 19). They handed him a silver denarius, and He asked them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” (v. 20). They told Him, “Caesar’s.” Then Jesus said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (v. 21). The Bible says that when they heard His response, “they marveled, and left Him and went their way” (v. 22).

Some have wondered, “If I become a Christian and seek to follow after God, how does that impact my relationship with the governments of this world?” Jesus’ answer reveals a balance that recognizes the need for earthly authorities, but not in a way that compromises one’s citizenship in heaven. If the two are ever in conflict, “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Membership in the church does not necessarily put us in conflict with being under the authority of a local government. The apostle Paul spoke of such governing leaders: “He is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Romans 13:4). In almost the same language as Jesus, Paul said, “Render therefore to all their due” (v. 7).

Being a good citizen on earth prepares us to be citizens in heaven.

Apply It:

Of which country are you a citizen? What are some earthly authorities you submit to?

Dig Deeper:

Mark 12:13–17; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 1 Peter 2:13–15

Key Bible Texts

They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. (Matthew 22:21 KJV)