Mennonite Church Peace Resources for Youth

Jesus was apolitical. In Matthew 22:15-22, Jesus said that paying taxes is using currency that was created by government, so I should go ahead and pay the taxes. Jesus went on to say to give to God what belongs to God: my soul, my lifestyle choices, my time and money priorities.

In John 18:28-40 Pilate wondered which political group had the authority to decide Jesus' fate (v. 31) and whether Jesus was the king of the Jews (v. 33, 37). Jesus responded that his kingdom is not of this world, meaning that these political decisions aren't relevant to the politics of his kingdom. He was above earthly politics, doing the work of God's kingdom.

In John 19:11a Jesus went on to say that Pilate only had political power because God allowed it. In Romans 13:1-7, Paul said Jesus-followers should submit to the governing authority as something that God made, including paying taxes and showing respect. The Romans 13:1 NIV footnote says that God ordained the idea of government, though not specific types of government.

Governments don't always act in ways that God would want. I submit to government whether or not I agree with my government's actions or use of tax dollars. Again in I Peter 2:13 and Titus 3:1, Paul said to be obedient to our rulers and authorities instituted by humans when what I am asked to do is good (Godly), assuming that the request is ungodly. In Acts 5:21 Peter and his companion chose to do God's command rather than the human authority figure's command when the two commands were in conflict. "Peter and the other apostles replied: 'We must obey God rather than men!'" (Acts 5:29)

"We teach and exhort obedience to the emperor, king, lords, magistrates, yea, to all in authority in all temporal affairs, and civil regulations insofar as they are not contrary to the Word of God." Menno Simons