Commands of Jesus: Obey Civil Authorities

Key Words:  Pay taxes, honor authoritiesMatthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:21-26Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"  But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius.  And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."  When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.Matthew 5:41 - And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Mark 1:44 – Go show yourself to the priests. Matthew 5:17 - “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Discussion Questions:  Are there any civil laws that we should not obey? Is it difficult to obey authorities who are themselves not obeying the law?Are you obeying the commands of Jesus regarding civil authorities?  And if not, what help do you need on order to start obeying these commands?Leona Helmsley – We don’t pay taxes; taxes are for little people.