We live in an age where people resist and even resent the idea of authority. A rugged individualism that says you cannot tell me what to do governs our thinking. Misguided moral relativism whispers the lie that what’s true for you may not be true for me. Added to this is an increased skepticism which insists that we should never believe or trust the strong and powerful.
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Recently in our home, one of my precious daughters whom I adore and for whom I would do anything, looked up at me and said, “You can’t tell me what to do, Daddy!” No sooner than my frustration began to rise, the Holy Spirit immediately convicted me, suggesting that I respond the same way to Him.
Indeed. From a young age our fallen nature prods us that all authority is bad and should be resisted. Admittedly, we can all point to examples of abuse that stems from unchecked power.
Authoritarianism frightens us, and for good reason. Each of us has seen the strong take advantage of the weak and the empowered cheat to keep the upper hand. Additionally, most personally know the misery that comes when a person is forced do what he does not want to do.
Yet, misusages like these notwithstanding, God has woven healthy authority into every part of our world. Humanity has authority over this earth (Gen. 1:26–28). Government has authority over its citizens (Rom. 13:1–7). Pastors have authority over their congregations (Heb. 13:17). Husbands have authority over wives (Eph. 5:22–33). Parents have authority over children (Eph. 6:1–4). Employers have authority over employees (Eph. 6:5–8). Most importantly of all, though, Jesus Christ has authority over each of us (1 Cor. 11:3).
The gospel of Mark goes to great lengths to demonstrate Christ’s sovereign dominion over all creation. After shaming the chief priests and scribes into silence for their efforts to entrap Him over John the Baptist (Mark 11:27–33), Jesus offered a parable to expose these religious leaders who rejected His authority (Mark 12:1–12).
The underlying lesson that remains for us today is that God’s condemnation awaits those who resist His Son, who has every right to act with the unlimited authority of heaven.
Next, the Pharisees and Herodians present Jesus with the conundrum of paying taxes to Ceasar, specifically the unpopular poll tax reserved for residents of Judea and Samaria (Mark 12:14).
Though the sum of the charge was small (one denarius), the imposition was greatly offensive to Jewish loyalists. If the Lord instructed them to pay the tax, His own people would have rebelled against Him. But, if He gave Jews permission to disobey the state’s demand, Roman soldiers would have arrested Him immediately.
Refusing to fall for their deceit, Jesus held up a Roman coin and asked whose likeness appeared on it (Mark 12:15–16). With Ceasar’s face on every denarius, the caption would have read, “Tiberius Ceasar, Augustus, son of divine Augustus.” Because ancients believed that coins belonged to whoever’s picture was on them, Jesus wisely instructed onlookers to render unto Ceasar that which belongs to Ceasar (Mark 12:17a). His next statement, however, ought to arrest our attention.
“Render unto God, the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17b). But what exactly was Jesus referring to with these words? If we return to Caesar that which has his image, what exactly bears the image of God? The answer is as old as creation itself. The first chapter of Genesis reveals the Trinitarian agenda of heaven, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness . . . (Gen. 1:26a).'” Scripture then adds, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Gen. 1:27).”
The idea is that every human soul is God’s property because each uniquely bears His image as Creator.
Fourth century theologian Augustine went as far to instruct that we should render “to Caesar his coins and to God your very selves.” How far does Christ’s authority extend over your life? Over every single part of it.
With this mind, we can better understand why Jesus insisted the following Him requires dying to ourselves and taking up our crosses daily (Matt. 16:24–26).
Practically, the authority of our Lord means that He determines what we believe about right and wrong, how we define success, who we spend our time with, and where we plant our lives. God unapologetically desires to dictate how you live, love others, spend your money, treat your spouse, forgive your enemies, put in a day’s work and enjoy your spare time.
Jesus has no interest in having part of your life; He lays claim on your entire life.
God wants your whole heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:29–30). He has every right to expect you to FOLLOW Him and LOVE Him. If you do, you will find His authority is good and life-giving, as He leads us down the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Ps. 23:3).
EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was written by Adam B. Dooley, pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee.
