Sunday, August 17, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Mark 12:13–17

Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him. (NRSVUE)

Reflection

When Jesus said, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s,” he affirmed the legitimacy of civic responsibility — taxes included. Yet he also reminded us that our ultimate allegiance is to God. As Christians, we have a dual call to live faithfully in the tension between our government systems and divine justice.

I don’t know anyone who enjoys paying taxes. But most of us recognize that taxes are necessary to maintain a functioning society. Yet when taxes are used to fund programs that sustain injustices, fail to protect all our citizens, and harm our planet, it’s a burden on our hearts as well as our wallets. This scripture teaches us that obedience to civic law does not mean moral approval of every use of the law’s power.

By “rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s”, we are acting as conscientious citizens, and our payment is a testimony to integrity. Simultaneously, we must “render to God what is God’s” by leaning into our morals and using our voices to protest when our tax dollars fund injustice.

We are so privileged to live in a democracy because here we are not powerless. We can (and must!) vote, we can petition and advocate for just causes, and we can practice ethical giving. We “render to God what is God’s” when we resist apathy. We must respond to the misuse of funds with generosity, with both our time and our coin, supporting just causes focused on peace and reform, remembering that, while we may live in two worlds, we only belong to one. We must ensure our lives bear the image of God, even if our coins bear the image of Caesar.

Prayer

Just and loving God, teach me how to be faithful in civic duties without compromising my spiritual convictions. Help me give what is required while always working for what is right. Amen.

Written by Sarah Younger, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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