Render therefore unto Caesar, Really?

Trent Cornwell

Vision Baptist Church

Book of Luke • Sermon • Submitted a year ago

Luke 20:19–26

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Call to Worship

Introduce choir song

Time of prayer for Andy and Lily tonight

Bible Reading

Larger portion of reading today

Luke 20 is a series of 5 questions

We have seen 2 so far

Luke 20:2 “2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?”

Luke 20:3-4 “3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?”

Today’s passage has 2 parts

The record of an attempt to trap Jesus in His Words

Then Jesus response

In the response we are taught on how we relate to the government as a believer.

Let me set the scene a little bit for you. It is Tuesday or Wednesday of Passion Week, Wednesday. By the end of the week Jesus will be crucified.

Luke 20:19–26 (KJV)

Question #1

19 And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:

22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?

23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s.

25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.

26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

Thus ends this reading of God's holy, inspired, and inerrant Word. May He write its eternal truth upon all our hearts.

Question #2 Luke 20:27-40

Question #3 Luke 20:41-45

Remaining verses go into the next portion that we will cover in a couple of weeks. He will show you the widows offering in context of the passage.

Introduction

Have you ever had a job interview with a series of questions designed to determine if you were a good fit for a company?

Recently Grant shared a story of a job interview. After the questions he determined he didn’t want the job.

It was a custom among the Jews before the Passover Lamb was killed to shut it up for several days for examination.

Jesus the Lamb of God's submitted Himself to this same scrutiny

We are in a series of questions.

What do these questions say about those asking them?

They were motivated by fear and self preservation.

Luke 20:19 “19 And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.”

The parable from last week was the parable of the husbandman.

In that story the owner of the land send servants to check on the land but the husbandman beat them.

Then the vineyard owner sent his son and they said “if we kill the heir, the land is ours.”

If they did anything that looked like what Jesus said they were going to do, they would then create a self-fulfilling prophecy and bring the wrath of the people down on their own heads. They had to play this one very carefully.

They needed a drastic shift in the popular culture of the day

Luke 20:20 “20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.”

Common enemy brought these religious leaders together Mark 3:6 “6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.”

Judaism’s brain trust of that day was plotting together.

Chief priests, position made up of many Sadducees / they get involved as Jesus comes to the Temple / favorable to Rome

Scribes - experts of the law.

Pharisees - we have heard much about them and their zeal

Herodians - wanted political independence for the Jewish people. They wanted to overthrow Rome and have their on King.

And now the Sadducees - this group is defined in Luke 20:27 “27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,”

Let’s not forget the Zealot that is traveling with Jesus; The party of no compromise

Their strategy reveals their hearts

We we live is what we believe. Everything else is just so much religious talk. Vance Havner

Jesus says in Matthew 22:29 “29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”

If you think it was painful for Him to go in with a whip and clean out their business

, how painful was it for them to take that shot at their theology?

They prided themselves at being interpreters of Scripture.

Not motivated by believing Jesus was not really changing lives, concerned he would change their way of life.

John 11:47 “47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.”

We often speak of how the Gospel can change a life. Satan takes the same idea and uses it to create fear.

Common Strategy: Acts 19:25-27 “25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.”

What did these groups have in common?

Pretended to be religious - which should feign themselves just men

Had a mutual hatred for Jesus

Desired to turn the city against Jesus

Desired to preserve their way of life

How were they going to do that?

Crowds had welcomed Jesus to town.

They did not have the authority to put Jesus on trial and execute Him, they needed to “deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.”

They desired to catch Jesus in a trap with His Words Luke 20:20 “20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.”

They believed Jesus had to die or they would all perish. John 11:50 “50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.”

They had to have a plan. Rome was hyper-sensitive about one crime, insurrection.

Hid their motives behind feigned respect for Jesus.

Luke 20:21 “21 And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:”

Believe that Jesus, like fallen man, could be puffed up with pride and speak more freely after being celebrated.

Wanted people to believe they were in agreement with them about their view of Jesus.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked and unconsidered characters in the Bible is the crowd.

Empty flattery: “You teach and speak correctly. You’re not partial to anyone, but teach the way of God in truth.”

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Step out of the story for a moment and into 2023

Still the most dangerous sort of men are those who would feign a mutual respect for Jesus but have the hidden motive to undermine Him.

We begin by acknowledging not just the possibility of false teaching, but the certainty of it.

Acts 20:29-31 “29 For I (Paul) know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”

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Different names, same agenda as this unholy alliance

2 Peter 2:1-3 “1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious (subtle) ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”

Defy the Lord’s authority

Subtle / especially in regard to immoral sexual conduct

Greedy

Same characteristics in every generation

They don’t hang out around the outside of the Temple

Now they can be found with a YouTube Channel. in the college classroom, or any where they can influence the next generation

Leads to their next question

Luke 20:22 “22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?”

Simple Test

If Jesus did not oppose Rome the crowds would not follow; they expected a King to overthrow the government.

If Jesus appears to oppose Rome then he will be killed by them.

Jesus knew this was a well crafted test. Luke 20:23 “23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?”

Jesus points them back to their motive. Matthew 27:18 “18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.”

Game of pickle in baseball

Regardless of how Jesus responds they have already determined this strategy. Luke 23:2 “2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.”

Jesus’ response

Luke 20:24-25 “24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. 25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.”

Curious who has a penny on them today? It occasionally is rumored they will stop printing pennies because how little value they have. We are speaking of a coin that would be equal to days pay for a skilled labor.

Probably would have had to find one someone in the crowd because the Jews didn’t like to carry them.

They had other options for currency they preferred.

Money in Thailand. Do not step on the money. It is disrespectful to their king.

Jesus was calling the Jews to render to a pagan Caesar some kind of honor.

Tiberias was the Caesar of Rome. He was a good administrator, but of course, he was not a Christian.

Jesus affirms the role of government, the right of government to collect taxes for its support because it is ordained by God for man’s well being and protection

In case we miss the clear teaching of Christ. 1 Peter 2:13-14 “13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”

Rendering to Caesar is limited and defined by rendering to God.

Jesus leaves the scope unanswered. (the things that are)

Jesus leaves the relationship unanswered. (and to God)

Jesus wants us to think about this.

The Response by those listening

Luke 20:26 “26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.”

They marveled

Last time they sort of just stumble away. Mark 12:12 “12 And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.”

I wonder, have you marveled at God?

Do you come here like this unholy alliance?

You have questions that you are just certain Jesus, if given the chance, could never answer.

Our response

We must be devoted to the holy and eternal rather than the profane and temporal.

• My earthly obligations are…

• My heavenly obligations are…

We have Big Government Matthew and Simon the Zealot both facing the implications of this truth.

So what belongs to God? Everything

God has made us and bought us for himself 1 Corinthians 6:20

We are slaves of no man and no government 1 Corinthians 7:22-23

Our citizenship is in heaven Philippians 3:20

We are aliens and exiles on the earth 1 Peter 2:11

We are not “at home” here, but await the Lord from heaven 2 Corinthians 5:8

We use our freedom to be servants. 1 Peter 2:16 “16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”

What belongs to government?

As much as possible we live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18 “18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

We Christians should be a humble, submissive people.

We should keep the speed limit.

If we are children, we should obey our parents.

If we are employees, we should get in on time, and leave on time, and do what the employer expects of us.

WE PAY OUR TAXES

We even submit to the rules in which we agreed upon from our HOA.

We are a people who joyfully submit to God, through earthly authority.

Here in a moment I believe you will want to say “amen” Let me encourage you to not say it any louder than you will say “amen” to this.

We always do it for Christ’s sake, which turns our obedience to human authorities into worship to God.

Power is God given. John 19:10-11 “10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.”

Power is limited. Acts 5:29 “29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”

This is what the disciples said when they were told to stop preaching the Gospel.

The limit to the government is to do their God appointed role in our lives. Punish evildoers and to encourage the good. Romans 13:4 “4 For he is the minister of God o thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

Revelation 13 speaks of a beast-state that oversteps its bounds. It is certainly possible.

Submission is shaped by our desire to honor God. 1 Peter 2:13 “13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;”

Render to Caesar nothing that you cannot render for the Lord’s sake.

Tonight we will have a special time of prayer with a missionary leaving to Asia tonight. He has honored their government and has filled out the necessary paperwork and paid their fees. He has done this unto the Lord. He will also preach Christ. He will render unto Ceasar what belongs to Caesar...

The gospel goes forward regardless of what any government or any king or any dictator attempts to do.

The government doesn’t have the right to coerce, and the government doesn’t have the right to restrict, worship that comes from the heart.

2 Cor 2:17 “17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”

Implications for us today

Don’t play games with the Lord

Luke 20:23 “23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?”

The games people play, Every night, every day, Never thinking what they say, Never saying what they mean,

Till you wile away the hours In your intellectual ivory towers And you find yourself covered up with flowers In the back of a black limousine.

Political agendas take a distant second place when we become the disciples of Jesus.

We are citizens of Heaven

We are His servants

We are engaged citizens who obey authorities to honor our Lord

We can even do this as we hold our elected leaders accountable to stay inside the realm they are given

1 Peter 2:17 “17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”

There are limits to the honor that is due to Caesar.

We only have one Lord

If required to call Caesar Lord our voices will die under the sound of the roar of the lion because we are prepared to render to Caesar what is due Caesar but nothing more.

Closing

Doesn't it amaze you how Jesus can do that?

They certainly didn’t trop Him in His words?

Doesn't it just make you love Him more?

Jesus comes out with a word of edification to help you put your priority where it ought to be — with God, who made us.

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