Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
June 7, 2026
Matthew: Jesus Pays Taxes
Matthew 22:15-22
Matthew 22:15-22
[15] Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. [16] And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. [17] Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” [18] But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? [19] Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. [20] And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” [21] They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” [22] When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
1. Let God’s Word direct how you approach matters of government and politics.
Without naming specific names, what types of media or platforms do you get most of your political information or opinions from? (podcasts, TV, talk radio, etc.?)
Why do you think the Bible is usually not first on our list of sources when it comes to researching a political issue?
The Bible doesn’t directly address every single modern day issue. However, it gives us guiding principles for forming our hearts and behaviors on many topics.
When it comes to forming a stance on certain government policy or political issues, consider the following steps:
- What does the Bible say about this?
- Pray about it.
- Seek wise counsel.
- Seek accurate information.
- Decide how you can help and what policies you should support.
What do you think about these steps?
2. Live as a dual citizen, but put God’s Kingdom first.
Matthew 6:33
[33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Local
Do you typically pay attention more to national news or local news? Discuss why.
Jeremiah 29:7
[7] But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
How can we “seek the welfare of our city”? What can we do to make an impact for Christ here in Jacksonville?
National
Our official statement of beliefs says the following:
"Church and state should be separate… The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends.”
- Southern Baptist Convention official statement of belief
Why is separation of church and state important?
“Historically, when the church and state have become too closely aligned, the result most often has been the compromise of the church.”
- ESV Study Bible commentary
Global
Christianity is international. It is not tied to one nation. The Kingdom of God has no borders.
Revelation 7:9-10
[9] After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, [10] and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
How does this scene encourage you?
What can you do better to live as a “global Christian”?
Let’s close today with this question: In a nation filled with political animosity and name-calling, what can we do as Christians to show the love of Christ when it comes to approaching politics and government? How can we be different?
