Divided Loyalties
October 19, 2008
Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21
In today’s gospel, some people question Jesus about divided loyalties. They are disciples of the Pharisees and Herodians – who are cronies of King Herod. It is interesting that the Pharisees did not confront Jesus themselves. They sent some young followers – perhaps students. The old men did not want to risk their reputations - so they sent young men with no reputations to risk.
They approach Jesus and attempt to butter him up. “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status.” There is a phrase to describe this type of false flattery – but I cannot use it. Then, they ask a loaded question, “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?”
What a set-up! It is like asking, “When did you stop beating your wife?” Any answer will get Jesus in trouble. If he says it is lawful to pay the tax, people may think he is conspiring with the Romans. If he says do not pay the tax the Romans could arrest him for sedition.
The question – and the answer - is about more than taxes - and more than the separation of church and state. Jesus addresses the challenge of divided loyalties – not only in regard to choices between government and God – but in the many ways in which divided loyalties pull us in one direction, and then another.
Jesus knows who his questioners are and what they are up to. He knows they are out to trap him and he calls them hypocrites – one of his favorite derogatory terms. He then takes a coin bearing the image of Caesar and says, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
In effect he is saying, “Give the coin to Caesar – it has his name and portrait on it and is issued by his authority. He is entitled to have what is his.” More importantly, the true king – God - is also entitled to his property – to what bears his image.
What is that bears the image and likeness of God? You and I do. We bear the divine image just as much as the Roman coin bore the profile and name of the emperor. The coins in our pockets may ultimately belong to Caesar - but you and I belong only to God.
Jesus is not pulling any punches here - he is very clear. We are expected to give ourselves to God – not once – not once a week – but always. Giving ourselves to God should be the distinguishing characteristic of our lives - it should define and shape who we are.
Only when we give ourselves to God can we ably address the other claims made upon us. First, we must reject those claims that are not legitimate – that take us away from God rather than bring us closer. Then we must recognize the genuine claims and find the proper place for each in the ever-shifting network of relationships that is our life.
It is not enough to give to the emperor what belongs to the emperor. Our families and friends - in fact all of God’s people – have valid claims on us. First, we must transform our divided loyalties into a unified life governed by one supreme and absolute loyalty – to God. Once we learn to put God first, the other appropriate demands made of us fall into their proper places. Divided loyalties become united in a life that is governed by the creative hand of God.
Loving God first does not diminish our love for others. On the contrary, it allows us to love others in ways that are right for them and right for us – ways that are compassionate and life giving, rather than distorted and destructive.
When we love God first, our loyalties are no longer divided. They are in harmony – for each is an invitation from God.
So, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Just remember, that in the end it all belongs to God.
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