Mark 12:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Caesar desires his likeness—return it! God yearns for His likeness—bring it back! Ensure that Caesar does not lose his coin in you, and that God does not lose His coin within you. But they could not find any reply, for they had been sent to discredit Him. They left, declaring that no one could respond to Him. Why, you ask? Because their words had lost their power.

For the welfare of the emperors, we invoke the everlasting God, the one true and living God, whose favor the emperors themselves seek. We Christians, with our eyes lifted to heaven, extending our hands (for they are pure), with our heads uncovered (for we are unashamed, cf. 1 Cor. 11:7), and without reproach (for we pray from the heart), let us persistently intercede for all emperors, that they may enjoy long life, robust power, a secure realm, a courageous army, a loyal senate, an honest populace, and a peaceful world; also for all desires, both human and those of Caesar (cf. Jer. 29:7; Dan. 6:21; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:13-17).

They approached Him with a trick question: ‘Is it lawful for us (God's chosen people) to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’ The challenge within this inquiry was clear: if Jesus responded negatively, He would be seen as defying Roman authority, while an affirmative reply would alienate the people, who had been taught by the Pharisees that their allegiance was solely to God, rendering service to a foreign ruler unacceptable. Jesus’ response articulated the truth that both obligations are intertwined, emphasizing the necessity of rendering to earthly authorities a portion of what is acquired under their governance, without compromising the fulfillment of God's commandments.

This spiritual kingdom is composed of souls that believe in God and strive to do His will.

Contrastingly, there exist worldly kingdoms, which are separate societal groups or states, each governed by its own authority, safeguarding the rights and properties of its citizens. Such communities are so essential that only those living in isolation could exist without them. Consequently, Jesus Christ neither revolted against these societies nor spoke out against earthly authority. One might find oneself a subject of a benevolent state yet remain unfaithful to God, loving only oneself and despising others. Conversely, one might endure under a tyrant like Nero and still wholeheartedly belong to God's Kingdom, courageously fulfilling His will. This notion, first expressed by Jesus in His statement to “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's,” was foreign to the ancient rulers, where political leaders often merged spiritual authority with governance, supplanting divine will with their own desires. Such a framework leads those societies captive, bound to stagnation, as divine commands are unchangeable without the gods’ consent.

In contrast, Christian states that champion the principle of separate obligations have advanced further than those that confuse these two kingdoms. The entirety of Jesus’s teaching on the Kingdom of God is encapsulated in the phrase, “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” Let us attempt to condense the essence of this kingdom. Jesus Christ outlined the manner in which we should lead our lives here on earth to secure eternal happiness in the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who organize their lives according to God’s will, as proclaimed through Him, constitute the Kingdom of God, founded by Christ to endure until the end of time and the inauguration of Heaven. Initially small, consisting of only eleven Apostles and a handful of followers, it was destined to grow into a magnificent entity, much like a mustard seed blossoming into a towering tree.

The Kingdom of God, or the Church, knows no physical boundaries; it exists wherever love for God and our fellow humans thrives and God's will is fulfilled. It resides in the hearts of believers. The worldly kingdoms, composed of communities governed by distinct authorities, require their residents to comply with the law under threat of punishment, demanding mere outward obedience while ignoring the inner sentiments of the subjects. In contrast, the Kingdom of God’s fundamental law is love for God, making it impossible to belong to this Kingdom without truly loving Him. Love cannot be compelled; it arises voluntarily from the heart. One may force a defeated person to serve a conqueror, but no one can be commanded to enter God's Kingdom. Christ desired to draw all into His realm of love, aiming for their happiness on earth and eternal bliss in heaven; however, He recognized the necessity for a heart transformation first.

He sought to instruct humanity that real joy comes not from self-love or vengeance but from loving God, returning good for evil, and willingly enduring suffering for the benefit of others. In juxtaposing His establishment of God’s kingdom against a prevailing evil, Christ could not combat evil with force but through love and goodness. His mission did not involve intervening in the governance of the Roman Empire where He preached. Though keenly aware of pervasive evil, He understood that it could be vanquished through love and goodness rather than violence. Regenerated hearts filled with love for God and others would eventually create societies free from slavery, oppression, and violence.

The Kingdom of God would encounter substantial opposition from worldly authorities; yet, it would not be defeated by force. Instead, the Kingdom, founded on mutual love, would morally rejuvenate those earthly systems. What does God expect from those who wish to enter His Kingdom? Primarily, He calls us to love Him. If we can strive to meet the desires of loved ones, satisfying them brings joy—so too, when we love God, adhering to His will provides ultimate moral fulfillment. Should we struggle to deny a loved one’s legitimate wishes, a genuinely loving person should feel anguish when failing to align with God’s will. Love for God mandates us to carry out His desires, which are not burdensome but encouraging.

What is the nature of God’s law? It calls us to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Is this requirement a heavy load? Is it realistic? Perhaps you have experienced pain when you realize those around you harbor ill feelings towards you. In that moment, consider your own heart; do you truly love others, even those near you? The call to love is mutual; sow love, and love will grow in return. When you are in need, recall how it feels to be greeted with indifference. Ensure you extend help to those in want. Even if your assistance feels insufficient, provide what you can—every act of kindness counts. Do not seek adoration for your deeds; true charity is done quietly. Remember that pride prompts ingratitude, and serve without expectation of recognition.

Expand your love even towards enemies; pray for them. Through genuine compassion, you can turn hearts previously hardened by animosity. When criticism for mistakes comes, reflect on your past and avoid casting judgment on others. Be the person known for never speaking ill of anyone. Direct your energy inward; seek self-correction before attempting to aid another. Always be truthful, as lies and deceit only create anguish. If faced with betrayal, evaluate your own actions first. Above all, express love, remain meek, and do not retaliate against offenses. Forgive as you have been forgiven. In everything, treat others as you wish to be treated.

This represents the expectation of those who enter the Kingdom of God, a realm of Love and Goodness. With open arms, Christ calls those burdened by life's struggles to take up His commands, assuring them that His yoke is light, and His burden is easy (Matthew 11:30). Some, however, view this differently, perceiving God’s commandments as requiring a thorough abandonment of the world. Yet such an interpretation lacks foundation in Old Testament revelations or the teachings of Jesus. When God charged humanity to “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), it implied that engaging with the world and enjoying its gifts aligns with His will.

Christ did not demand His followers to abandon worldly pleasures. While encouraging followers to “Deny yourself and take up your cross” (Matthew 16:24), Christ didn’t intend for this to mean abandoning personal aspirations for others' sake. Some misconstrue this call as a directive toward contemplative asceticism. However, Jesus never condemned the enjoyment of God’s gifts but rather urged that we acknowledge the temporary stewardship of these blessings and manage them according to divine intent. The rich man in the parable (Luke 12:16-21) was judged not for storing his harvest but for mistaking it as solely his. Likewise, the other rich man (Luke 16:19-31) was rebuked for his disregard for Lazarus, the beggar at his door, not for having wealth.

In essence, Christ accepts the use of earthly resources provided they do not violate the essential commandment of loving our neighbors. Further, while solitude and fasting can be instrumental in combating personal temptations, one should engage with the world to express love and fulfill God’s commandments. True self-denial involves submitting our will to God’s directives. The call to love even encompasses the significant commandment to prioritize love for God, placing it above all other commitments. Should a loved one demand you abandon God’s will, respond with unwavering love for God.

Consequently, should no temptation incite withdrawal from loved ones, one’s choice to disengage becomes rooted in selfishness rather than love. Reflect on moments Jesus addressed temptation and the journey to eternal bliss—He declared that eternal life comprises adherence to commandments, which should bring moral enhancement. Jesus’ instructions to the rich young man revealed the danger of loving possessions more than God. His bidding to sell all and distribute to the poor aimed to reveal the young man's heart, obscured by his attachment to riches.

His sayings concerning abandonment cannot be taken as strict imperatives, and suggestions to forsake wealth were aimed at the Apostles when they set out to preach. Therein lies the understanding that relinquishing worldly ties is not a prerequisite for God’s Kingdom. Instead, one can engage within the world, overcome personal trials, live not solely for oneself, but build a life of love and goodness aimed at benefiting others. This resilience in adversity fosters a life consistent with divine law.

For as we enjoy temporal blessings, we should always remember that the earth is God’s vineyard, entrusted to us for stewardship, bearing the fruits of goodwill toward our neighbors. Our role as laborers in His vineyard demands accountability, and by performing good deeds, we align our earthly lives with the Kingdom of God. We are reassured that the times of despair and suffering await those unwilling to transform through love into acts of service.

So love your neighbors; let your caring spirit guide your actions. Live for the welfare of others, and thus you shall be a true participant in the Kingdom of God. The life aligned with God's will offers moral satisfaction now and promises lasting joy in the afterlife—this is the paradise to which the righteous have always aspired.