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LaGrave Live, February 1, 2026
LaGrave Live
LIVE Morning Worship Service 02-01-2026
The Word in the Windows: Paying Taxes to Caesar
About The concert:
We continue our sermon series “The Word in the Windows.” Pastor Jonker will preach on Matthew 22: 15-22.
About the Church:
We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months)
We'd love to hear from you:
Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact
Let us pray for you:
Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/
Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178
The February special offering is for The Bridge. The Bridge is part of Arbor Circle, which offers emergency shelter for youths, and additional counseling for youths and their families.
Listen on the go:
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle
Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT
Follow us!
Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc
Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc
Website: https://www.lagrave.org
#LaGrave #LaGraveCRC
LaGrave Service Summary: The Word in the Windows – Paying Taxes to Caesar
Sermon AbstractLaGrave Live • Epiphany Series
The Word in the Windows: Paying Taxes to Caesar
Navigating the tension between civil authority and divine allegiance through Matthew 22.
"
"Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
— Jesus' Verdict
The Political Trap
The Pharisees (Anti-Rome) and Herodians (Pro-Rome) formed an unlikely alliance. They tried to force Jesus into a binary choice: treason against Rome or betrayal of the Jewish people.
Key Theological Arguments
1
Dual CitizenshipCivil government is a valid "second thing," but God's Kingdom is the absolute "first thing."
2
Total OwnershipCaesar's image is on the coin, but God's image is on humanity. Therefore, God owns everything.
3
Modern IdolatryWarning against letting political party platforms dictate Christian values entirely.
Window Symbol 1
The Fasces
Rome's power to punish
Window Symbol 2
The Cross
God's power to redeem
Source: Audio Transcript (1h 22m)#ChristianEthics #Politics #Matthew22
Introduction
This service features a sermon based on Matthew 22:15-22, correcting a misconception about the church's stained-glass windows and exploring the tension between earthly government and divine authority. The message emphasizes that while Christians respect civil authority, their ultimate allegiance belongs to God, challenging believers to prioritize the Kingdom of Heaven over political partisanship.
Detailed Summary
Community Announcements & Prayer Needs
The service began with updates on community life, including the arrival of Lenten devotional booklets and a reminder for the Wednesday prayer gathering. Significant milestones were celebrated, such as the birth of William Robert to Sarah and Tyler Medema, and the 93rd birthdays of Cal Verdyne and Laura Verbridge. The congregation also lifted up numerous members facing health challenges, surgeries, and hospice care, alongside prayers for the Versluis and Faber families regarding recent bereavements.
Specific prayers were offered for the "Missionary of the Week," asking for the finalization of his citizenship process to return to South Korea and for the safe delivery of his child. Additionally, the upcoming Mexico mission team orientation and the church's internal election of elders and deacons were highlighted as key areas for prayer.
Children's Message: The Glove vs. The Mitten
The children's message used winter clothing as an analogy for the church. While gloves allow fingers to act independently but leave them isolated and cold, mittens keep fingers together, sharing warmth. The church is described as being "more like a mitten," where members are gathered by God to live as a family, supporting one another rather than existing in isolation.
Sermon Context: The Window and the Fasces
The sermon focused on a specific stained-glass window in the church that depicts Jesus holding a coin. The pastor noted a correction to the church’s guidebook, which misidentifies the scene as "foreboding events"; the presence of the coin and Caesar's profile confirms it depicts the story of paying taxes. A crucial detail in the window is the inclusion of the fasces—an axe bundled with sticks. This Roman symbol represented imperial authority, justice, and the power to punish, setting the stage for a conflict between the power of Rome and the Kingdom of God.
The Political Trap: Matthew 22
The Herodians
Pro-Rome & Pro-Tax. They valued the stability the empire provided.
The Pharisees
Anti-Rome & Anti-Tax. They viewed paying Caesar as bordering on idolatry.
The Trap: "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?"
If Jesus says Yes: He is a traitor to the Jews.
If Jesus says No: He is a rebel against Rome.
The Divine Answer: Caesar and God
Jesus evaded the trap by asking for a coin and delivering the famous line: "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."
Legitimacy of Government: By telling them to pay the tax, Jesus affirmed that civil government is a God-created institution for order (echoing Romans 13).
The Ultimate Claim: By adding "and to God what is God's," Jesus critiqued the inscription on the coin which claimed divinity for the Emperor. He established that while the government has authority over a limited sphere, God owns everything—including Caesar himself.
Application: Dual Citizenship and Political Identity
The sermon concluded with practical applications for modern believers. While patriotism (pledging allegiance) is good, it must always be secondary and contingent; allegiance to God is absolute.
Political Values: Christians are warned against letting political party platforms (Red or Blue) dictate their entire value system. The Holy Spirit should order a believer's values, which might mean simultaneously supporting the unborn (often a conservative stance) and robust social safety nets for the poor (often a liberal stance).
The Cross vs. The Fasces: The sermon contrasted the Roman fasces (a symbol of punishment and power) with the Christian Cross. While the fasces represents law and order through fear, the Cross represents justice fulfilled through self-sacrificial love and mercy.
Symbolism: Power vs. Sacrifice
The FascesRoman symbol of imperial authority. Represents justice through punishment and fear.
The CrossChristian symbol of the Kingdom. Represents justice through mercy and hope for the wrongdoer.
To-Do / Next Steps
Members: Pick up Lenten devotional booklets from mailboxes (visitors can pick them up at the welcome desk).
All: Attend the prayer gathering for renewal this coming Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the chapel.
Mexico Mission Team: Attend the training and orientation session next Sunday.
Congregation: Participate in the upcoming process of selecting elders and deacons.
Conclusion
The service reminded believers that while they live under earthly governments and should participate as good citizens, their primary identity is found in the Kingdom of Heaven. By allowing God to order their values rather than political parties, Christians can bear witness to the revolutionary love of the Cross, which offers hope rather than condemnation.
View all episodes
By BBS Radio, BBS Network Inc.LaGrave Live
LIVE Morning Worship Service 02-01-2026
The Word in the Windows: Paying Taxes to Caesar
About The concert:
We continue our sermon series “The Word in the Windows.” Pastor Jonker will preach on Matthew 22: 15-22.
About the Church:
We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months)
We'd love to hear from you:
Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact
Let us pray for you:
Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/
Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178
The February special offering is for The Bridge. The Bridge is part of Arbor Circle, which offers emergency shelter for youths, and additional counseling for youths and their families.
Listen on the go:
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle
Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT
Follow us!
Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc
Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc
Website: https://www.lagrave.org
#LaGrave #LaGraveCRC
LaGrave Service Summary: The Word in the Windows – Paying Taxes to Caesar
Sermon AbstractLaGrave Live • Epiphany Series
The Word in the Windows: Paying Taxes to Caesar
Navigating the tension between civil authority and divine allegiance through Matthew 22.
"
"Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
— Jesus' Verdict
The Political Trap
The Pharisees (Anti-Rome) and Herodians (Pro-Rome) formed an unlikely alliance. They tried to force Jesus into a binary choice: treason against Rome or betrayal of the Jewish people.
Key Theological Arguments
1
Dual CitizenshipCivil government is a valid "second thing," but God's Kingdom is the absolute "first thing."
2
Total OwnershipCaesar's image is on the coin, but God's image is on humanity. Therefore, God owns everything.
3
Modern IdolatryWarning against letting political party platforms dictate Christian values entirely.
Window Symbol 1
The Fasces
Rome's power to punish
Window Symbol 2
The Cross
God's power to redeem
Source: Audio Transcript (1h 22m)#ChristianEthics #Politics #Matthew22
Introduction
This service features a sermon based on Matthew 22:15-22, correcting a misconception about the church's stained-glass windows and exploring the tension between earthly government and divine authority. The message emphasizes that while Christians respect civil authority, their ultimate allegiance belongs to God, challenging believers to prioritize the Kingdom of Heaven over political partisanship.
Detailed Summary
Community Announcements & Prayer Needs
The service began with updates on community life, including the arrival of Lenten devotional booklets and a reminder for the Wednesday prayer gathering. Significant milestones were celebrated, such as the birth of William Robert to Sarah and Tyler Medema, and the 93rd birthdays of Cal Verdyne and Laura Verbridge. The congregation also lifted up numerous members facing health challenges, surgeries, and hospice care, alongside prayers for the Versluis and Faber families regarding recent bereavements.
Specific prayers were offered for the "Missionary of the Week," asking for the finalization of his citizenship process to return to South Korea and for the safe delivery of his child. Additionally, the upcoming Mexico mission team orientation and the church's internal election of elders and deacons were highlighted as key areas for prayer.
Children's Message: The Glove vs. The Mitten
The children's message used winter clothing as an analogy for the church. While gloves allow fingers to act independently but leave them isolated and cold, mittens keep fingers together, sharing warmth. The church is described as being "more like a mitten," where members are gathered by God to live as a family, supporting one another rather than existing in isolation.
Sermon Context: The Window and the Fasces
The sermon focused on a specific stained-glass window in the church that depicts Jesus holding a coin. The pastor noted a correction to the church’s guidebook, which misidentifies the scene as "foreboding events"; the presence of the coin and Caesar's profile confirms it depicts the story of paying taxes. A crucial detail in the window is the inclusion of the fasces—an axe bundled with sticks. This Roman symbol represented imperial authority, justice, and the power to punish, setting the stage for a conflict between the power of Rome and the Kingdom of God.
The Political Trap: Matthew 22
The Herodians
Pro-Rome & Pro-Tax. They valued the stability the empire provided.
The Pharisees
Anti-Rome & Anti-Tax. They viewed paying Caesar as bordering on idolatry.
The Trap: "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?"
If Jesus says Yes: He is a traitor to the Jews.
If Jesus says No: He is a rebel against Rome.
The Divine Answer: Caesar and God
Jesus evaded the trap by asking for a coin and delivering the famous line: "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's."
Legitimacy of Government: By telling them to pay the tax, Jesus affirmed that civil government is a God-created institution for order (echoing Romans 13).
The Ultimate Claim: By adding "and to God what is God's," Jesus critiqued the inscription on the coin which claimed divinity for the Emperor. He established that while the government has authority over a limited sphere, God owns everything—including Caesar himself.
Application: Dual Citizenship and Political Identity
The sermon concluded with practical applications for modern believers. While patriotism (pledging allegiance) is good, it must always be secondary and contingent; allegiance to God is absolute.
Political Values: Christians are warned against letting political party platforms (Red or Blue) dictate their entire value system. The Holy Spirit should order a believer's values, which might mean simultaneously supporting the unborn (often a conservative stance) and robust social safety nets for the poor (often a liberal stance).
The Cross vs. The Fasces: The sermon contrasted the Roman fasces (a symbol of punishment and power) with the Christian Cross. While the fasces represents law and order through fear, the Cross represents justice fulfilled through self-sacrificial love and mercy.
Symbolism: Power vs. Sacrifice
The FascesRoman symbol of imperial authority. Represents justice through punishment and fear.
The CrossChristian symbol of the Kingdom. Represents justice through mercy and hope for the wrongdoer.
To-Do / Next Steps
Members: Pick up Lenten devotional booklets from mailboxes (visitors can pick them up at the welcome desk).
All: Attend the prayer gathering for renewal this coming Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the chapel.
Mexico Mission Team: Attend the training and orientation session next Sunday.
Congregation: Participate in the upcoming process of selecting elders and deacons.
Conclusion
The service reminded believers that while they live under earthly governments and should participate as good citizens, their primary identity is found in the Kingdom of Heaven. By allowing God to order their values rather than political parties, Christians can bear witness to the revolutionary love of the Cross, which offers hope rather than condemnation.