Mark Twain once said, “Never discuss religion or politics in polite company.”  Yet as we read in our salvation story, Jesus’ opponents attempted to drag him into just such a debate by asking if observant Jews should pay taxes to Caesar or not. 

The Herodians were pro-Roman, a Jewish political movement that supported the Roman leader, King Herod. They wished to adapt to Roman customs and laws in exchange for peace and prosperity. The Zealots, on the other hand, sought to overthrow the occupying Roman government. They were doctrinally aligned with the Pharisees. But in addition to faithfully following the Torah, they called for more active resistance, saying that God was to be their only Ruler and King. 

Jesus' opponents wished to trap him. He would fall out of favor with either one group or the other. However, his response silenced them all: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God’s.”

Jesus' reply contains two important principles. First, to the rebellious Zealots, Jesus says that government is good. It has been instituted by God. Even secular human authorities, godless kings, accomplish God’s purposes in the world. But to the acquiescent Herodians Jesus reminds them that government is limited. The government is limited under God’s supreme authority over all our lives.

Though these particular movements no longer exist today, politics and religion certainly do. Therefore, obey Jesus’ heavenly authority by submitting to the earthly king.