The King and Counterfeit Kingdoms: Getting it Right About God and Government | Matthew 22:15-22

Main text: Matthew 22:15–22 (ESV) 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 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. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21They 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.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

Preaching Point: Jesus’ words should corner our rebellious hearts and cause us to regularly submit to our God-given earthly authorities, while reserving our ultimate allegiance and submission for the King of Kings.

Teaching Points:

1. Address Your Rebellious Heart (vv. 15-18)
2. Honor Your God-Given Earthly Authorities (vv. 19-21a)
3. Supremely Honor Your Heavenly King (21b-22)