“Render Unto Caesar” — A Sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Published Date: April 12, 2025


Overview:

In this powerful sermon delivered at the final rally of the British Evangelical Council, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones expounds on Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 22:15–22:

“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”

Dr. Lloyd-Jones uses this text to expose what he calls the great tragedy of mankind: its rejection of the only One who can truly help — Jesus Christ.

Key Themes of the Sermon:

1. The Great Tragedy of Mankind

  • Humanity refuses to listen to Christ — the only one who offers real hope and help.
  • Like the Pharisees and Herodians, people approach Jesus with skepticism and manipulation, rather than sincere seeking.

2. Misplaced Priorities

  • The modern world, much like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, is obsessed with lesser concerns:
    • Politics
    • Social issues
    • Art and culture
  • These, while not evil, distract from the eternal and spiritual realities that matter most.

3. The Forgotten Supernatural

  • Dr. Lloyd-Jones laments that our generation has forgotten God and the supernatural.
  • The focus has shifted from the soul to mere material existence.

4. Jesus’ Profound Distinction

  • Jesus draws a clear line between:
    • Caesar’s realm: the temporal, earthly authorities
    • God’s realm: the spiritual, eternal realities
  • Caesar’s authority is limited, but God’s authority is supreme and eternal.

5. The Image of God in Man

  • The world views man as a material being only.
  • But Jesus reminds us: man is made in the image of God — he is a living soul, not merely a consumer of bread.

Dr. Lloyd-Jones’ Exhortations to the Church:

A. Live as Good Citizens—but Remember Your True Allegiance

  • Christians are to respect earthly rulers and live honorably.
  • But our ultimate allegiance belongs to God.

B. Proclaim God’s Solution, Not Just Analyze Worldly Problems

  • The church must not mirror the world’s obsession with politics or culture.
  • Instead, it must boldly proclaim Christ as the solution to man’s deepest need.

C. Find Joy and Security in Salvation, Not in Circumstances

  • The blessings of salvation in Christ far outweigh anything the world can offer:
    • Forgiveness
    • Peace
    • Joy
    • Eternal life

D. Pray for Revival

  • The greatest need of our time is a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
  • Only the Spirit can empower our witness and awaken the world to God.

Westminster Chapel, 1979
(One of his final recorded sermons before his death in 1981)