---

Politics is such an interesting subject when addressing it from a Christian perspective – especially in this day and age when it often feels like our country’s politics are anti-Christian. 

As I spoke about in my last post, our government is run by human beings, and we all have flaws. Sometimes it feels like our system is so unjust and broken, it doesn’t seem right to follow it. So how should a Christian respond? 

Recognising authority

I’ve recently been reading through 1 Samuel in the Old Testament and one of the recurring themes is David honouring and respecting Saul because he is the one that God anointed to have authority over him – even though Saul was trying to kill him! 

“He [David] said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master [Saul], the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 1 Samuel 24:6

This points to 1 Peter 2:13-17 from the New Testament: 

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”

And also points to Romans 13:1:

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

This is essentially saying that by honouring our worldly authorities, we are honouring God and recognising that He is sovereign in His appointment of these authorities. 

But it is vital to remember in this that God, through Jesus, holds true authority over the entire world, as Matthew 28:18 states,

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

What does this look like in practice? 

It’s wonderful that, although Jesus was on earth 2,000 years ago, He spoke into so many real life situations that are still relevant today – and politics is no different. Here’s a snippet from Mark 12: 

“Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, “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? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

And they were amazed at him.”

Context is key 

It’s helpful to remember the context of this passage. During this time, Jews were being forced to pay taxes straight into the Roman emperor’s treasury – it signified the Roman oppression over Israel. The Jews hated having to pay it and some more patriotic Jews (such as Zealots) refused to pay it at all. The Pharisees and Herodians were asking Jesus an immensely controversial political question.

This reminds me of today’s political sphere. Our government seems corrupt, and society seems to be moving further and further away from the Christian faith. But I find the context of Mark 12 helpful to remember because even during a time of oppression, Jesus still recognises the authority of the Roman Empire. 

One commentator has described Jesus’ answer as, “Full of consummate wisdom. It establishes the limits, regulates the rights, and distinguishes the jurisdiction of the two empires of heaven and earth.”

This is built on even more later in the Bible. When Romans and 1 Peter were written (passages quoted above), Nero was emperor of Rome and he burnt Christians alive! Even during such oppression of Christians, believers were still being called to recognise that “the authorities that exist have been established by God”. 

What is “Caesar’s” and what is God’s? 

Jesus calls us to follow Him. The Bible reveals to us the way that God wants a Christian to walk. God wants our worship, devotion and love. 

In the UK, our government tells us to pay taxes, follow their laws and to live in a land peacefully. 

Our relationship with God must always come first, as He is the true authority. This means that if our government commands us to do something that is against God, our loyalties and honour lie with God first, and then His anointed governance.

However, other than that I think the Bible clearly shows us the importance of submitting to and honouring our government. 

This is a truth that I really struggle with. Out of my friends, I’m probably the first one to point out when the government is doing something for their own gain, or lying to us, or acting corruptly. 

After reflecting on all of this, I need to really check in with myself as to how I respond in these situations. But it’s also important to recognise where your heart lies in the simple things like paying taxes, keeping to speed limits, and not pushing the boundaries of basic civil etiquettes.

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1)

Believe it or not, there’s more that could be said about this! Here’s a sermon my church did around Jesus and Politics: