What did Jesus teach about politics?

The first point has to do with how we view government. We’re to have a perspective that comes from a biblical worldview. One event from the life of Jesus leads us to consider the matter directly. We read, “Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? “Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” They brought one. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him” (Mark 12:13-17). In this passage, Jesus faced a hostile audience eager to trip Him up with a question that would expose Him to scorn. He answered, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” The immediate impact of the statement is that money comes from the system the government has set up and so we should pay the tribute that government then demands. But Jesus could accomplish that teaching by simply instructing followers to “render unto Caesar.” He goes further. Jesus is saying that there is a place for the government. It has a rightful task and a duty it should fulfill. But even bringing God into consideration introduces a whole new dimension. The idea and reality of a Caesar is a mighty thing, but as soon as we place God next to this earthly ruler, Caesar’s stature is immediately and radically put into perspective. Caesar will be like all the others. Earthly kingdoms will crumble and statues will erode. Their real significance is that they reflect (often badly) God’s greater rule. “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” There is a rightful zone of activity that belongs to the government, but it is not of equal extent, scope or duration with the whole that is ruled by God. The government should never be confused with the authority behind all authorities. When governments seek to deceive Christians to betray their understanding of the lordship issue—namely that Jesus is Lord and Caesar is not—the Christian must say with the apostles (and martyrs throughout history) that we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Be encouraged!

Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor