Matthew 22:15-22
About the Text
(15) Who were the Pharisees? They were the popular Jewish sect during Jesus day, who endeavored to strictly follow Gods law and their own religious traditions, as contained in the Mishnah and the Talmud. They were largely opposed to Jesus for two reasons: He claimed to be God (see John 8:58-59), and He publicly exposed their secret hypocrisy.
(16) Who were the Herodians? They were the loyalists and servants of Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great. Under Roman authority, Herod Antipas ruled harshly over the region of Galilee, forcing Jews to pay a heavy tax. Part of this tax was used to pay for magnificent new capital overlooking the Sea of Galilee, called the city of Tiberias. Antipas was also the one who ordered John the Baptist beheaded (Matt. 14:1-12).
The Jews hated Antipas and his tax, not only because it was a great burden on them, but also because they believed, according the law of Moses, that taxes belong to God, never to be given to an ungodly man (cf. Lev. 27:30).
(19) What is a denarius? One coin worth about one day's wages.
(21) Who is the Caesar in this passage? Caesar Tiberius, emperor of the Roman Empire, not to be confused with Caesar Augustus, who ruled prior to Tiberius.
(21) Why does Jesus say, "Give to Caesar what is Caesars"? Doesnt everything belong to God? Yes, but God appoints people, even non-Christians and those who demand heavy taxes, to rule over us. Therefore, we should not only pay our taxes, but also submit to our authorities and pray for them. See Prov. 8:15, Rom 13:1-7, and 1 Pet. 2:13-17. This is what Jesus meant by "giving to Caesar what is Caesars."
(21) What did Jesus mean by "give to God what is God's"? Give your whole self to God.
Notice in v. 20 that Jesus pointed out Caesars image on the coin, then commanded that it be given to Caesar. We, too, bear an image -- the image of God. See Gen. 1:26-27, 9:6, and Col. 3:10. This in no way means that we are divine, but rather we possess those God-stamped qualities that distinguish us from the animals, e.g. the ability to make decisions, emotions, feelings, a conscience, a sense of moral right and wrong, and a soul. Therefore, just as Jesus commands a coin with Caesar's image be given to Caesar, He commands you who bear God's image be given wholly to God. To those who bicker over words and fight over religious matters, Jesus commands to stop the hypocrisy and give yourselves wholly unto God.
Those who believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus have the ultimate motive for giving themselves wholly to God. Believers claim that "God demonstrates His love for in this: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). Through this kind of faith that believers have, God promises salvation (Rom. 10:9). Being convinced of Gods love and of their own salvation, believers cannot help but to gratefully give themselves to God. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship." (Rom. 12:1)
Insights
The Bottom Line
Because of Jesus love, give your life completely to God.
Key Memory Verse
"Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Matthew 22:21)