"Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? …" (Mk.12:14-15). This question was cleverly framed with malicious intent by the combined group of Pharisees and Herodians to make Jesus enemy either of Rome or the Jewish nation. Jesus' reply was sharp and implied that certain obligations to civil authorities need not be in conflict with the demands of God. It is clear that Jesus' answer "render to God the things that belong to God." is the acknowledgment that God is the only sovereign ruler.

This challenges us to uphold the supremacy of God over every area of human life including political domain. It calls for inner freedom that comes from our faith that enables us to give to God alone our total obedience. This is what we are confronted with today in the light of many Christians being persecuted because of their faith. So it will be a pity if we restrict our mission to the purely religious sphere and neglect our obligation to see that everyone, in every area of life, gives to God what is God's. Doesn't this resonate with the present situations in our local context that the Church proclaims God's dominion against the political power of injustice? We are truly challenged with this reality!