Jesus answered and said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they were astonished at that answer.
Christ’s answer reveals the perfect balance of divine wisdom. He does not incite rebellion against civil authority, yet He also does not allow earthly power to take God’s place. What belongs to Caesar is what is lawfully connected with public order, but what belongs to God is the whole person: his heart, soul, faithfulness, and worship. This saying teaches that the believer must fulfill his just duties toward earthly authorities, yet keep his highest obedience for God. A person may pay tax to Caesar, but he cannot give his conscience, worship, and soul to anyone except the Lord.