Caesar, a pagan politician who claimed divine powers for himself that belong only to God, deserved obedience from Christians according to Jesus: “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

Now here’s some irony. Three days after Jesus said these words, Caesar’s government pronounced Jesus a traitor and crucified him. Why didn’t Jesus revolt against this injustice and pronounce his own authority over the Roman Empire before they killed him? Because Jesus trusted in his Father’s authority over all government. With firm faith in his Father, Jesus could endure the injustice.

He explained it to Pontius Pilate during his trial: “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” (John 19:11).

More than that, Jesus loved you enough to restrain his powers and die for you. He became a willing sacrifice to pay God for all sins. 

Jesus loves everybody and saved us by his death at the hands of a dishonest, disobedient government. Then he rose from the dead and now lives with all authority. 

With trust and love, Jesus overpowered the Roman Empire. Government soldiers guarding his tomb couldn’t contain him. Government persecution of his followers couldn’t stop them. And today, no government can stop Jesus or his believers.

Trust in Jesus. Love Jesus. He rules over all governments for the good of all believers.