Render to Caesar: Part 1

Dec 2, 2024

The atmosphere would have been tense. People would have been waiting with baited breath to hear Jesus’ answer. “Should we pay the tax to Caesar?” was both a politically and religiously charged question. And it was asked intentionally to trap Jesus. Would He openly come out against Rome? Would He openly speak against His people, the Jews? Listen as Gabe and Nate share how Jesus cut right to their heart — in profound wisdom, He addressed the question in a way that was irrefutable by either side. 

In this often overlooked command Render to Caesar, Nate and Gabe will unearth the context and background of this command as well as the rich application that this holds for our lives here and now. First and foremost, we are to “render to God things that are God’s” — namely we are to surrender to God our lives which bear His image! And secondly we are to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” It is beautiful to realize that when we honor the God-ordained authority structure, we are actually honoring God Himself and showcasing His love to those in authority! 

  • Gabe Cleator, Host

    Gabe Cleator loves Jesus and desires to help others to cultivate an intimate relationship with Him. His years of ministry to young men through the Journey to the Heart program as well as serving with Family Conferences have all been fueled by his desire to see people embrace Christ as the All-Sufficient One.  He holds a bachelor's degree in Biblical Ministries and currently serves as the director of the Home Discipleship Network under the ministry of IBLP. His vision as the director is dynamic and focused. He says, “My heart burns to see God's people turn back to a vibrant, living Christianity that has Christ at the center and the Word as the foundation.” In 2021, Gabe released his first book, Always and in Everything, calling God’s people to discover the power of giving thanks in all things.   Gabe and his wife, Sara, live in East Texas where they enjoy serving the Lord together. Gabe loves spending time in the great outdoors, especially when it involves taking fishing trips or visiting National Parks. From mountains and canyons, to waterfalls and wildlife, he takes great joy in the fact that his Heavenly Father made all these things!

  • Nate Paine, Host

    Nate Paine loves pointing people to God’s Word. He gave his life to the Lord at age 11, while on his family’s farm in Northeast Indiana. As a teenager and through his 20’s, he poured himself into serving God—from completing his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Ministries, to working in prison ministry discipling inmates, and mentoring young men through the Journey to the Heart program. Through the years, he has carried his life verse of Isaiah 61:1-3 with him, following God’s call to “preach good tidings unto the meek,” “bind up the brokenhearted,” “proclaim liberty to the captives,” and to offer beauty for ashes—through the Person and work of Christ.  Today, he lives with his wife and five children in East Texas where Nate serves on staff with IBLP and the Home Discipleship Network. In his spare time, you may find him adventuring with his children (preferably with fishing poles in hand), perfecting his pour over coffee brewing, or reading one of his favorite authors—Andrew Murray or A.W. Tozer.