What Jesus said about
Faith and government
Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
Mark 12:17
The short answer
Jesus lived under Roman rule. He told people to give the government its due, and made clear that people themselves belong to God.
He also showed his followers a different kind of leadership: greatness means serving.
In the Gospels
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Mark 12:13–17
The coin
Opponents try to trap Jesus with a question about taxes. He asks whose image is on the coin.
Read Mark 12:13–17
13 They sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to him, that they might trap him with words. 14 When they had come, they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don’t defer to anyone; for you aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give?” But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it.” 16 They brought it. He said to them, “Whose is this image and inscription?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus answered them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” They marveled greatly at him.
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
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John 19:8–11
Before Pilate
The Roman governor says he has power to free or crucify Jesus. Jesus answers that Pilate’s power is given from above.
Read John 19:8–11
8 When therefore Pilate heard this saying, he was more afraid. 9 He entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Aren’t you speaking to me? Don’t you know that I have power to release you and have power to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin.”
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
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Mark 10:42–45
Not so among you
Jesus contrasts rulers who lord it over people with his followers, who are to serve, as he came to serve.
Read Mark 10:42–45
42 Jesus summoned them, and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. 45 For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
World English Bible, public domain. The whole chapter on Free Scripture → · Read in the NRSVue, the ELCA’s standard translation →
How Lutherans read this
Lutherans teach that God works through government to keep order and protect people, and that Christians are called to serve their neighbours as citizens. Governments can also be wrong, and the church speaks up for those they harm.
A question to take with you
Where have you seen power used to serve?
Further reading from the Lutheran tradition: 2 works in the library.