What does it mean to live faithfully amid injustice, corruption, and oppressive power?
In Matthew 22:15–22, Jesus faces a trap posed by the question: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar? His response, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s,” is often misinterpreted as a call to keep faith out of politics. But what if Jesus was doing precisely the opposite?
In this sermon, Rev. Tim Seery explores the radical implications of Jesus’s encounter with the Pharisees and Herodians, revealing a challenge to the power structures that shape our lives. By examining the symbolism of Caesar’s image on Roman currency, Rev. Tim invites us to consider the difference between participating in an imperfect system and endorsing its values.
Jesus offers an alternative economy—one rooted not in domination or wealth, but in healing, inclusion, grace, and justice. His call is not to retreat from the public square, but to help build a world where all are invited to the table.
Bible Verse: Matthew 22:15–22 / Image Credit: Denarius of Tiberius, obverse from Wikimedia Commons