It has been a monumental few weeks in India. Some of the key states held elections, and the results have been nothing short of historic.
This election has shown the power of social media and the influence of Gen Z as change-makers in our country. They are deeply passionate about equality, justice, climate concerns, race, gender, and social change. But often, this longing for a better world and a better future seems directed toward politics and political leaders.
In India, Christians are usually raised with a view of staying away from political engagement because of corruption and greed. But the gospel does not make us politically less engaged; it keeps us from making politics our identity.
The gospel does not diminish our desire for social justice, but it redeems and reshapes it. As people shaped by the gospel, we don’t have a lesser vision for this world, but a greater and richer vision for the world God created.
The critical question for us is: how can one engage politically without letting politics define or threaten our identity and relationships?
In Mark 12:13–17, Jesus gives us a framework for how the gospel shapes our political engagement.
The Pharisees and Herodians come to trap Jesus with a political question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Mark 12:14). Jesus replies, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17).
Jesus did not answer with a simple yes or no, but his reply provides a framework for applying the gospel to how we respond to the governments of this world.
1. God Is Sovereign Over All
Jesus begins by putting politics in its proper place.
The coin bears Caesar’s image, so give it to Caesar. But human beings bear God’s image, so ultimately we belong to God. That changes everything.
Governments may demand taxes, but they cannot demand your allegiance. Political leaders may seek your vote but not your worship. Only God does.
Psalm 100:3 says, “It is he who made us, and we are his.” This means our ultimate identity is not in politics but in God. God is sovereign over all of creation and over all the nations. And this includes governments, leaders, and political history.
2. Governments Are Ordained by God
By saying, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Mark 12:17), Jesus teaches that Caesar’s government and rule have a legitimate place in God’s world.
We see God instituting governance right at the beginning when God calls Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, to subdue and fill the earth (Gen. 1:28).
The Bible tells us that governing authorities are instituted by God (Rom. 13:1). Even imperfect governments exist under his sovereign rule. Governments are God’s gifts to humanity, and he gives governments authority and purpose (Rom. 13:3). They are to work for human flourishing through preserving order, maintaining peace, and providing justice to all.
This does not mean every government is righteous and does what God intends. The Roman government in Jesus’ day was oppressive, unjust, and eventually crucified Jesus himself. Yet Jesus still acknowledged governmental authority.
3. Christians Have Duties Toward the Government
Jesus says, “Render to Caesar. . . “(Mark 12:17). In other words, disciples have responsibilities toward earthly governments.
Paul expands this responsibility: pay taxes, honour authorities, obey laws, and show respect (Rom. 13:7). Christians are to pray for kings and leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
This is remarkable when we remember the context. Jesus said this about a pagan empire that would later crucify him and persecute his followers (John 19:16). Yet Christians are still called to fulfill their duty as good citizens and to show dignity and respect to the leaders he has ordained for us (1 Pet. 2:13-15).
And as disciples of Christ, this especially matters when you have governments you may disagree with and leaders who do not deserve your respect.
4. Avoid Political Complacency and Political Idolatry
Many Christians in India are politically complacent. We are withdrawn, indifferent, cynical, and ignorant of political issues. We think preaching the gospel means staying away from politics.
The moment we try to fit the gospel of Jesus into our political framework, we minimise the gospel and compromise our witness in this world.
But the Bible does not allow that kind of disengagement. Because Christians care about justice, truth, and human dignity, we cannot be indifferent to public life (Isa. 1:17).
When God calls us to submit to our leaders, this does not mean silence in the face of injustice (Pr. 31:8-9). There are moments when Christians must resist injustice peacefully and hold leaders accountable respectfully (Acts 5:29).
Christians should care about the vulnerable, the poor, the oppressed, and the moral health of society, and there is no place for political complacency in the life of a disciple (Mic. 6:8).
But the gospel also protects us from political idolatry.
In Jesus’s day, Caesar claimed divine authority. Today, political movements often demand total allegiance and insist on absolute authority.
Christians must remember that our allegiance is not to a nation, tribe, caste, race, or political ideology. It is to Jesus (Phil. 3:20).
That means Christians should be able to disagree politically without demonising one another. We should give room for different political views and opinions without demanding everyone believe the same thing (Jam. 1:19).
Here are a few reflective questions to help us understand if our hearts struggle with political idolatry:
- Does political news impact your emotional stability?
- Do you secretly or openly rejoice when people on the “other side” suffer?
- Do you feel morally superior or look down on others when you hear about their political views?
- Do you find it difficult to genuinely love people who differ politically from you?
An honest response will reveal our identity and idolatry rooted in politics. The moment we try to fit the gospel of Jesus into our political framework, we minimise the gospel and compromise our witness in this world.
5. Jesus Is Our Ultimate Hope and Judge
Jesus stands in complete contrast to worldly rulers.
Caesar had power, wealth, armies, and coins bearing his image. Jesus had nowhere to lay his head (Luke 9:58).
When our hope is found in Jesus rather than in politics, the gospel reshapes our hearts, minds, and responses.
The kingdoms of the world seek power, control, comfort, and fame. Jesus used his power to serve (Matt. 20:28). He washed feet (John 13:5), he forgave his enemies (Luke 23:34), and he gave his life away (1 John 3:16).
Political revolutions often promise salvation through power and retaliation. Jesus brings his kingdom through sacrifice and grace (Rom. 5:8).
That is why the Christian’s ultimate hope is not politics but Jesus.
Jesus is not only our ultimate hope; he is the ultimate judge. We often wonder who will keep leaders and governments accountable. Every government, leader, injustice, and abuse of power will answer to Jesus (2 Cor. 5:10). We can rest in his divine judgment so that we do not have to stay angry or seek vengeance (Rom. 12:19).
When our hope is found in Jesus rather than in politics, the gospel reshapes our hearts, minds, and responses. It enables us to show compassion, kindness, respect, and humility, especially toward those who disagree with us politically (Eph. 4:32).
As Christians, God calls us to live faithfully in a politically divided world. Let the gospel shape our politics and not the other way around.
