For the past few weeks, I have been studying the history of ancient Rome and it has had a fascinating effect on my understanding of Scripture. After all, the world of gladiators and Caesars, of legions and senators, is the world that Jesus walked. He said, “give to Caesar what is Caesars and give to God what is God’s” Matthew 22:21).
The story of the gospel is a story of two kingdoms. The backdrop, in which Julius Caesar, Augustus, and the like had themselves declared deities, is important. The story of the New Testament is about highlighting the choice we have between the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of this world. It is no coincidence that Jesus came, lived, and died as a juxtaposition to the worldly power of Rome.
Palm Sunday
When I was growing up, the kids at my church were given palms to wave on Palm Sunday. We talk about Jesus’ “triumphal entry” (on a donkey). These are rightly known as admonitions and celebrations of who Jesus had revealed himself to be in the days leading up to his death.
But these are also direct attacks on the Roman way. The Caesars were the ones who had triumphs (massive parades) held in their honor. Conquering heroes were paraded through the streets of Rome with palm leaves waving in support. They were celebrated for achieving the Roman way.
Jesus comes on the scene in this context and is given his own triumph. One of humility. Of poise and grace. Of love and forgiveness. The Caesars were granted parades in honor of the people they had killed and subjugated. Jesus is given a parade in honor of the people he healed, those he loved and set free.
It is in direct opposition to all Rome stands for. Which is why the early church was so heavily persecuted in Rome.
The Tale of Two Kingdoms
Of course, the legacy of this is a continuing tale of two kingdoms. The kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of heaven.
Rome was founded by moral outcasts. They could not find any women willing to marry them and Rome was in danger of extinction one generation after it was found. So, they kidnapped a bunch of women from the neighboring areas. The whole founding of Rome is like this. There is nary a noble figure to be found. It seems as though the idea is, “yeah, it is evil and barbarous. But it is strong.” The victory of Rome is in its force. Its power is a worldly power – physical strength, intimidation, greed. It built Rome and it destroyed it.
But Rome is just a microcosm. We continue to create, destroy, and rebuild the kingdom of this world. A kingdom based on power. Force. Control. A kingdom of greed, one in which we see how high our own abilities can take us, over and against those around us.
The Kingdom of God is about love. It is about kindness and sacrifice over control. It is about faith rather than knowing. It is about a dependence on God rather than our own strength, knowledge, or ability.
The question about what to give to Caesar and what to give to God is not a question about buckets. It is not suggesting we put some things in Caesar’s bucket and some things in God’s. What Jesus is doing is putting the whole of the gospel to us directly: which kingdom will you serve. Either the Kingdom of this world gets your all or the Kingdom of God does. There really is no middle ground.
Which deity will you choose – God or Caesar?
Which way will you choose – control or faith?
Which triumph will you attend – the kingdom of this world or The Kingdom of Heaven?
