Render to Caesar
The recent Ontario election provides us with another opportunity to ask: What is our obligation, as Christians, to government? What perspective does the Bible give us about politics, prime ministers, and such? In Luke 20:19-26, Jesus encounters spies sent by the religious leaders. Their intent was to trip him up over a question of Roman Law, specifically the paying of tribute to Caesar. As expected, Jesus’ answer is both brilliant and provocative.
On its face, it is a simple response, but complex in its application in our lives. “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” has tremendous implications for all who follow Christ. It speaks to our interaction and involvement with government, demanding an answer to this question: What should I “render to Caesar”? In his response, Jesus presses us to be devoted to the holy and eternal rather than the profane and temporal. In essence, he tells us what our obligations to government and, of course, to God should be while we live on this earth.
The timing of this message, within days of the election, is perfect. As we look at the passage, we will identify a number of principles that will help us see our biblical obligations as citizens of both the Province of Ontario (render to Caesar) and the Kingdom of God (render to God).
Sermon Notes
The Gospel of Luke | Pt. 5
Render to Caesar
Pastor Todd Dugard // Luke 20:19–26
June 9–10, 2018I must be devoted to the holy and eternal rather than the profane and temporal.
• My earthly obligations are…
• My heavenly obligations are…