A powerful message exploring what true loyalty looks like for Christians as Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:15–22. Discover why all authority comes from God, when believers must honor earthly leaders, and when loyalty to Christ requires standing firm in faith.
In recent weeks, our readings have placed us squarely in the tense days between Palm Sunday and Good Friday a time when Jesus confronted the religious leaders who feared losing their power, their prestige, and their position. They watched the crowds shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” and they knew their influence was slipping.
But the moment that truly exposed their hearts came in Matthew 22:15–22, when they attempted to trap Jesus with a political question about taxes.
The Trap Set for Jesus
Matthew tells us:
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle Him in His words.” (Matthew 22:15)
They sent their disciples along with the Herodians — men loyal to Rome — to ask:
“Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Matthew 22:17)
They believed they had Jesus cornered. If He said yes, the Jewish crowds would turn against Him. If He said no, the Herodians would accuse Him of rebellion.
But Jesus never plays their game.
He asks for the coin and says:
“Whose likeness and inscription is this?” “Caesar’s,” they reply. And Jesus answers, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
In one sentence, Jesus reveals the entire biblical doctrine of authority.
All Authority Comes From God
Authority is not invented by human beings. It is delegated by God.
As I said in the sermon:
“Authority is the power and the right to make decisions, give orders, and enforce obedience. The source of all authority is God.”
Scripture affirms this repeatedly:
- “Honor your father and your mother.” (Exodus 20:12)
- “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” (Romans 13:1)
- “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)
And Jesus Himself declares:
“All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Me.” (Matthew 28:18)
Every earthly authority — parents, employers, pastors, teachers, government officials — operates only because God has permitted them to.
But that raises a crucial question:
What happens when earthly authority contradicts God’s authority?
When Obedience to God Requires Disobedience to Man
The Bible gives us powerful examples of believers who remained loyal to God even when earthly authority demanded compromise.
The Hebrew Midwives (Exodus 1)
Pharaoh commanded them to kill every Hebrew baby boy. But Scripture says:
“The midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded.” (Exodus 1:17)
God blessed them for their loyalty.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3)
They refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image:
“We will not serve your gods or worship the golden image.” (Daniel 3:18)
Their loyalty led them into the fiery furnace — and God delivered them.
Daniel (Daniel 6)
When prayer to God was outlawed, Daniel opened his windows toward Jerusalem and prayed anyway:
“He got down on his knees three times a day… as he had done previously.” (Daniel 6:10)
Daniel chose loyalty to God over loyalty to the king — and God shut the lions’ mouths.
These stories are not ancient relics. They are living testimonies for us today.
Living Under Authority Without Losing Loyalty to Christ
We honor authority because God commands it. We pray for leaders because Scripture instructs it:
“Prayers… be made for kings and all who are in high positions.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2)
But we never forget:
Our ultimate loyalty belongs to Christ alone.
When government permits sin, we do not participate. When culture celebrates rebellion, we do not join in. When leaders command what God forbids, we obey God rather than men.
As I said in the sermon:
“You don’t just say, ‘Well, the Supreme Court said we’re permitted to do this.’ That doesn’t make it right. We’re under God’s authority ultimately.”
Jesus: The King Whose Kingdom Is Not of This World
When Jesus stood before Pilate, He was asked:
“Are You the King of the Jews?” (John 18:33)
Jesus answered:
“My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
Pilate boasted of his authority, but Jesus reminded him:
“You would have no authority over Me at all unless it had been given you from above.” (John 19:11)
Jesus was not seeking earthly power. He was revealing heavenly authority.
And He calls us to live under earthly authority with heavenly loyalty.
So Who Has Your Ultimate Loyalty?
Caesar may have his coin. Your employer may have your labor. Your government may have your taxes. Your parents may have your obedience. Your pastor may have your respect.
But God alone has your worship, your conscience, your allegiance, and your heart.
Jesus’ words still echo:
“Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God what is God’s.”
And what belongs to God?
Everything. Your life. Your faith. Your loyalty. Your eternity.
May the Holy Spirit give you courage to honor authority faithfully — and to stand firm when loyalty to Christ requires bold obedience.
