To those who questioned the Lord about the census tax, Jesus replied, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (Mark 12:17). His audience was stunned because they expected Him either to condemn the emperor’s taxation or make a comment that could be misconstrued, prompting division or insurrection. Their intention was not a sincere inquiry; they wanted to trap Him.
Yet the Lord’s answer not only serves His critics but also provides a powerful lesson for all of us. I love the statement because it is all-encompassing, regardless of creed, religion, or lack thereof. “Caesar” in this context could have a mixed meaning. Caesar may represent the political state, our civic responsibilities, our life choices, our daily obligations, and the daily realities of human life.
If we were to make a list of what belongs to Caesar in our personal lives and what belongs to God, what would the list look like? Due to our individual differences, the list may vary from person to person. But what truly belongs to God? I heard a preacher say in a homily that “Caesar” also belongs to God. And that is very true.
Our Civic Responsibilities Are also Part of our Spiritual Mission
Clearly, the Lord invites everyone to be a responsible citizen by contributing positively to our society. We read about Jesus paying taxes (Matthew 17:24-27). Although the question was not about paying taxes, the Lord used the opportunity to convey a deeper message. As good citizens, we make an honest effort to contribute to the good of society by paying taxes, serving in different positions selflessly, obeying the law, volunteering in different capacities, et cetera. The Lord elevates these responsibilities beyond mere civic duty.
In other words, we have a dual responsibility—state and spiritual—that completes who we are: beings made in the image and likeness of God. This calls for a balance. If we devote our entire time to spiritual matters while neglecting our physical well-being, our health, relationships, and responsibilities suffer, resulting in imbalance and burden. Similarly, if we concentrate solely on physiological needs and abandon our spiritual life and responsibilities, we fall into a deep emptiness: lack of joy, peace, contentment, and divine intimacy.
Jesus’ call to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God is a call to rightly order our lives, activities, desires, and pleasures towards God, the true owner who gave us all we have. To respond properly to this important charge from the Lord Jesus, we need to recall both the first command given in Genesis (Gen 1:28) and the Lord’s final commission before His ascension (Matthew 28:18-20). Both commands compel obedience, diligence, commitment, sacrifices, and worship in civic and spiritual responsibilities.
May God continue to bless us with the wisdom to order worship correctly.
