There are many disputes Jesus gets into with the religious leaders of his day, and one of those disputes revolves around the sensitive issue of paying taxes to Caesar. They questioned Jesus with the aim of catching him out in what he said so that they could accuse him of doing wrong. But Jesus uses their question to challenge their way of thinking. He affirms that God gives human authorities to maintain an ordered society and we should submit to their authority. Even when they fail to exercise it wisely, God will hold them accountable. But our ultimate authority is God and he is the one to whom we owe our allegiance, worship and obedience.