“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’”
- Mark 12:17 -

Some of the Pharisees and Herodians came to Jesus to catch him in his words. They first commended Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?" (13-14). If Jesus had answered, 'Yes', he would be considered as collaborator of the Roman empire. If he had answered, 'No', he would have enraged the Roman authorities.

Jesus' answer was not 'Yes' or 'No' but "Give back to God what is God’s" (17). Jesus used this as an opportunity to teach two important principles. First, we should respect our government because God established it and to do our duties. Second, we should do what we should do as God's chosen people. This challenges us to remember that everything came from God, such as our body, soul, gift, and time and use them for His will. We shouldn't neglect both of these duties for we have dual citizenship.

Prayer: Lord, I give to you what is yours and to the government what is theirs in obedience to your commands.