Matthew 22:15-22 Republicans and Democrats

Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, "Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?  Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?"  They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's."  And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away. [Matthew 22:15‭-‬22 NASB]

It is significant that the Pharisees joined with the Herodians against Jesus. They were political enemies. The pharisees were very pro-Israel. They resented any Roman interference and despised the Roman taxes. The Herodians were pro-Rome, believed that the Roman roads and building projects improved Israel, and supported the Roman taxes as a fair way to pay for those improvements.

These political enemies were brought together in a spirit of unity and cooperation because of Jesus. That is, they each saw Him as a threat, and joined forces to discredit Him. So they devised a question with no right answer.

The poll tax (also known as the census tax) was one denarius, paid yearly. A denarius is one day's wage for the average worker. If Jesus agreed that it was okay to pay the poll tax, He would be condemned by the vast majority of Jews who hated the tax. If He said that it was wrong to pay the tax, the Herodians would report Him for teaching sedition against Rome. If He said, "I don't know" He would have lost credibility for evading the question.

Jesus answer was, of course, brilliant. "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's."

The political climate in the United States is tense right now. The line dividing the liberal left from the conservative right is no longer a line, but a canyon. The middle ground has all but disappeared. The last time I engaged in political discussion (something I try to avoid) it was to try to point out the truth of both sides on an issue, and that there was room for agreement. It was made perfectly clear to me that there is no agreement and no compromise. Each side is fully convinced that they are right and that the other side is wrong.

I have friends who like to publish their political opinions on Facebook. Some of the most hateful content I have read has come from Christian friends. According to my Republican friends, all Democrats are evil, and are in league with the devil. Their goal, apparently, is to corrupt and ultimately enslave the masses. According to my Democrat friends, all Republicans are evil. The President is the embodiment of all things evil, and can do no right. If something appears to look good, then it must be a lie.

The truth is that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but He pours out His grace on us, and forgives us when we come to Him in faith.

There are both Republicans and Democrats who are lost and do the work of their father, the devil. They are power hungry political opportunists who are caught up in their sin. There are also Republicans and Democrats who are Christians, saved by the grace of God, and doing their best to live for Him.

As citizens in a republic we have the right to express our opinion. As citizens of the kingdom of God, we should express our opinion in a way that is uplifting and positive; that brings unity and not division; that promotes respect and honor, and not hate.

We have been taught, "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." [1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB]

We have a president instead of a king. But the meaning and application is clear. It is our obligation as Christians to submit ourselves to government authorities and honor them. He does not add the caveat "if you agree with them."

Paul said, "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior," [1 Timothy 2:1-3 NASB]

Don't post hateful comments online about your political enemies. Pray for them instead. Don't worry about the results; they are in God's hands. Even if the person you are praying for fails to respond to God, you will be changed by praying for them. In this, you will find peace.