The Reasonable Requirement
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"Render unto Caesar — the things which are Caesar's; and unto God — the things that are God's." Matthew 22:21.
The enemies of Christ, being envious of His growing popularity, endeavoured in every way to lower Him in the estimation of the people. For this end, they frequently sought "to entangle Him in His words," as appears from the occasion on which the above words were spoken. It is shown that they addressed Him in very flattering terms, and pretended to regard Him as a teacher pre-eminently distinguished by His incorruptible integrity. "Teacher, we know," was their language, "that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are." This, we need not say, was strictly correct; but, although words of truth, they proceeded from deceitful lips — and were prompted by cunning craftiness, and the most hollow and heartless hypocrisy.
After this ensnaring preamble — a question of some difficulty, and under the circumstances which then existed, of considerable delicacy, was proposed by them, namely, "Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" It seems that they were fully assured in their own minds that the object they had in view would be gained — whatever answer might be given. If He had said that it was not lawful — He would have been called a sower of sedition, and been charged with fostering a spirit of rebellion, and as such He would doubtless have been arrested by the civil authorities.
On the other hand, if He had stated that it was lawful — it is not improbable that the populace might have mobbed Him; for they regarded the Roman yoke with feelings of the deepest hatred! But in neither of the snares which were laid by these which cunning fowlers, was the Saviour taken. "But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, 'You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap Me? Show Me the coin used for paying the tax.' They brought him a denarius, and He asked them, 'Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?' 'Caesar's,' they replied. Then He said to them, 'Render unto Caesar — the things which are Caesar's; and unto God — the things that are God's!'" No wonder, seeing how completely they were defeated, that, abashed and mortified, "they left Him, and went their way."
While, however, this answer was intended to silence them — it is also adapted to instruct us. What belongs to Caesar, we should give to Caesar. In the words of the apostle, we should "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes — pay taxes; if revenue — then revenue; if respect — then respect; if honour — then honour."
But while we render to Caesar the things which are Caesar's — let us not forget to render to God the things are God's. Has He no claims upon us? Doubtless He has; and these ought to have the precedence of every other. In rendering to all their due, we should, in the first place — render to Him His due. He demands our love, our gratitude, our reverence, our worship, our submission, our devotedness; and if we disregard His requirements, we are guilty of the most dreadful sacrilege; and to us may the withering rebuke be addressed, "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me!"
Reader, remember that you are also the subject of another and eternal Sovereign — and He cannot hold you guiltless if you disown His authority, and desire not the knowledge of His ways. His language is, "My son, give Me your heart!" — and may your sincere and cordial response be,
"Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it from your courts above!"
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