Caesar Vs. God

Citizenship Balloon Debate

For this game, you will need a bag of balloons, some markers, and tape. Before the session, write different silly “laws” or “rules” on strips of paper. Examples could be “Everyone must hop on one foot when they talk,” “No one can eat pizza on Fridays,” or “All pets must wear hats.” Roll up each strip and put one inside a balloon, then blow up the balloons. Scatter the balloons around the room.

Tell the group that each balloon represents a new “law” being proposed. The youth will each grab a balloon, pop it, and read the law aloud. After reading it, they should tape the law on the wall. Once everyone has popped a balloon and the laws are posted, the group votes on which law is the silliest, which one might actually be fun, and which one would be hardest to follow. The goal is laughter and energy, not serious debate.

• Which law was your favorite?
• Which law would be the hardest to live under?
• Why do you think some rules or laws are easier to follow than others?

That was a lot of fun! It was silly to imagine living under those laws, but it also makes us think. Laws and rules really do affect how people live. Some are good and helpful, while others can seem confusing or even unfair.

In the time of Jesus, people were dealing with laws that felt very difficult, especially the Roman tax laws. The people didn’t like them, and many hoped for someone to lead them out from under Roman control. That’s why the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes.

Today, we are going to look at how Jesus answered that question. His words remind us that while we live under human laws, our lives also belong to God. Let’s listen carefully to the scripture and think about what it means for us as people of faith and citizens of our country.

Read Matthew 22:15-21:

The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?”

Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin.

He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?”

They replied, “Caesar’s.”

At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

Matthew 22:15-21 – the Gospel for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

When we look at this gospel, it helps to imagine the scene. The Pharisees and the Herodians were not friends. They normally opposed each other. But in this moment, they teamed up against Jesus because they wanted him out of the way. They thought they had the perfect trap. They asked him a question about paying taxes to Caesar. If he said “yes,” the people would hate him because they despised Roman rule. If he said “no,” the Roman authorities could arrest him for rebellion. Either way, they thought they could silence him.

But Jesus did not fall into their trap. He asked to see the coin. He had them name whose image was on it. When they answered “Caesar,” he gave his famous reply: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” With those words, Jesus turned the trap into a teaching. He reminded them that while we live under human governments, our first and deepest loyalty is to God. He showed us that we can live in society, follow its rules, and still remain faithful to God’s call.

So what does that mean for you today? You may not be worrying about paying taxes yet, but you are still part of your community and country. You are a citizen, or soon will be, and your actions matter. Citizenship is more than following rules. It is about choosing to take part in the life of your community. It means learning about what is going on in the world, caring about the issues that affect people, and being willing to do something about them. It also means knowing that your faith should guide the way you act in society.

This is not always easy. Sometimes we want simple answers, but life is more complicated than a short slogan or a soundbite. That is why it is important to be informed. If you only know one side of an issue, you cannot really discuss it with someone who disagrees. Instead, take the time to learn. Read, ask questions, and try to understand why people think differently. You do not have to agree with them, but knowing their perspective can make you wiser and more thoughtful. This also shows respect, which is a key part of living your faith.

Another part of being a Christian citizen is how you treat others when you talk about issues. Think about how Jesus responded in this gospel. He did not yell, insult, or get defensive. He stayed calm and answered in a way that taught the truth. That is what we are called to do. When you are talking with someone who disagrees with you, it is tempting to argue or try to win. But if you show patience, respect, and compassion, you are living out the values of Christ. People are more likely to listen when they feel respected, even if they do not agree with your point of view.

Of course, not everyone will respond to you with kindness. Sometimes people will mock your faith or dismiss what you say. In those moments, you have a choice. You can keep trying to speak with respect, or you can walk away. What you should not do is escalate the conflict. Yelling, insulting, or trying to embarrass the other person rarely changes their mind. It often just makes things worse. Walking away can be the stronger choice because it shows you are not controlled by anger.

Jesus’ teaching in this passage reminds us that faith and citizenship go together. You can love your country and respect its laws, while also remembering that your life belongs to God first. Every decision you make as a citizen should reflect your values as a follower of Christ. Whether it is how you vote, how you serve others, or how you treat people in conversation, you are called to bring your faith into action. This is the challenge, but also the opportunity, of being both a citizen of your country and a child of God.

When the group breaks into smaller circles, remind everyone that this is a time for honest sharing and respectful listening. Encourage the youth to let each person speak without interruption. Remind them that it is okay to disagree, but they should always respond with kindness. The goal is not to win an argument, but to learn from each other and think more deeply about faith and citizenship.

• What does Jesus mean when he says to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God?
• How do you feel when you think about your role as a citizen in your community or country?
• What are some ways your faith can guide how you make decisions about civic duties?
• Have you ever seen a situation where people discussed politics or society respectfully? What made it different from an argument?
• Why do you think it is important to understand both sides of an issue before forming an opinion?
• What are some examples of civic responsibilities that match well with Catholic values, like serving others or caring for the poor?
• How can you respond as a Christian when someone treats you with disrespect in a discussion?
• Who is someone you admire who balanced their faith with their role in society? What can you learn from them?
• How might prayer help you when you face tough choices about faith and citizenship?
• What is one way you can be a better citizen this week while staying true to your faith?

This week, I want to challenge you to look at our country or community and notice something you would like to see change. It could be something big, like how people treat the environment, or something closer to home, like how students are treated at school. Take time to learn about the issue. Don’t just settle for quick answers or what you hear in passing. Do some research, ask questions, and try to see the different sides. Understanding the facts will help you form a thoughtful opinion and see how your faith connects to real problems in the world.

Once you have chosen an issue, commit to bringing it to God every day in prayer. Ask God to guide leaders and all citizens, including you, to act with wisdom and fairness. If you feel ready, take one small step of action. That might be writing to a government official, sharing what you have learned with a friend, or getting involved in service that addresses the issue. Remember, being a faithful citizen starts with prayer and grows through action. Even small steps can make a real difference when they are done with faith and love.

Let’s close our time together by coming before God in prayer. I invite you to quiet your hearts and place yourselves in God’s presence.

Loving Father, we thank you for the gift of our country and our communities. We thank you for the freedoms and responsibilities we share. Help us to remember that while we live under human laws, our first calling is always to You.

Lord Jesus, guide us as we try to be faithful citizens and faithful disciples. Teach us to act with respect, honesty, and compassion in every choice we make. Give us courage when it is hard to stand for what is right, and patience when we face disagreement.

Holy Spirit, fill us with wisdom. Show us how to serve others, how to work for justice, and how to bring peace. May our words and actions reflect Your love. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Themes

• Faith and citizenship: Jesus shows that we can live under human laws while still belonging to God. Our lives are not divided, but guided by faith in every part. Citizenship becomes another way to serve God.
• Respect for authority: Jesus does not dismiss paying taxes but points to God first. We respect leaders while remembering they are not above God. This balance helps us live responsibly.
• God comes first: The coin may belong to Caesar, but we belong to God. Our choices must reflect this truth. We give God our hearts, minds, and actions.
• Informed decisions matter: Jesus did not answer quickly but with wisdom. We should learn about issues before forming opinions. Careful thinking helps us act with fairness.
• Respectful conversations: Jesus spoke calmly instead of fighting back. We can learn to listen even when we disagree. This makes us better witnesses of faith.
• Acting with compassion: Laws and politics affect people’s lives. We must remember to care for the poor, the weak, and the forgotten. Compassion is central to both faith and society.
• Responsibility in society: Being part of a country means we have duties. Taxes, voting, and service are ways we contribute. These responsibilities help support the common good.
• Avoiding traps: The Pharisees tried to corner Jesus. He stayed focused and turned it into a teaching moment. We can also avoid being pulled into arguments that divide.
• Prayer and action: Jesus points us to God even in political questions. Prayer helps us see clearly and choose well. Action rooted in prayer brings peace and justice.
• Building community: Citizenship is not just personal. It is about working with others for the good of all. Our faith calls us to strengthen the community around us.
• Witness of integrity: Jesus stayed true to his mission despite pressure. We can also stay faithful in hard situations. Integrity is part of living as both Christian and citizen.

Background Material

Citizenship is an important part of our lives, and the Catholic Church gives us guidance on how to live it faithfully. We are members of both the Church and the world around us. Jesus himself spoke about this when he said, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22:21). These words show that we have duties to society, but our first loyalty is always to God. Our faith is not something separate from our role as citizens. Instead, it shapes how we live in our communities and nations.

The Bible often reminds us that authority and government exist for the good of people. In Romans 13:1, St. Paul writes, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” This does not mean that governments are perfect, but it does mean that order and leadership are part of God’s plan for human life. We are called to respect laws that serve the common good. At the same time, when human laws go against God’s law, we must choose to follow God.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also teaches us about this. It says, “It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom” (CCC 2239). This is a clear reminder that being a citizen is not just about obeying rules. It is about working together for the good of everyone. When we act with honesty, fairness, and care for others, we live out both our civic and Christian responsibilities.

The Church also calls us to be involved in our communities in positive ways. This can include voting, paying taxes, and following the law. But it also means speaking up when we see injustice. The prophets in the Old Testament often challenged kings and rulers when they strayed from God’s ways. In the same spirit, Catholics today are called to stand for life, for justice, and for the dignity of every person. This is part of being faithful to Christ and loving our neighbor.

Citizenship also connects with Catholic social teaching. The Church teaches about the importance of the common good, which means what benefits all people, not just a few. We are called to see beyond our own needs and think about what will help families, communities, and especially the poor. This fits with Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we act as citizens with this in mind, we make society stronger and more loving.

In the end, Catholic teaching reminds us that citizenship and faith are not separate. They go hand in hand. We give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, but we never forget that we belong to God. Our choices as citizens should always reflect our calling as disciples of Jesus. By living this way, we help build a society that reflects justice, mercy, and truth.

Music Suggestions

• Rightful Place
• This Is My Song
• How Great Thou Art
• City of God
• For the Healing of the Nations
• America the Beautiful
• Citizen of Heaven