Jesus Subjects Himself to the Civil and Religious Laws

Laws are a set of rules, which govern the behaviour in a societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More. Without laws, there will be chaos, disorderliness, and destruction of life and property. Laws help to bring about peace, order, harmony, happiness, and protection of life and property.

Likewise, the Israelites had their laws which they received from God to govern their relationship with Him and with one another. Examples of civil laws were;

1. Mixing with sinners and outcasts.

2. Payment of tribute to the Roman Government – Tax Laws.

3. Laws against witchcraft and idolatry (which were considered as treason).

4. Inheritance Laws.

Religious Laws:

Different Religious Laws apply to different religions, this means there are different religious laws for Christians, Muslims, Jews and so on. In the time of Jesus Christ, these were some of the Religious laws the people had to obey;

1. The Moral Laws (The Ten Commandments).

2. Ceremonial laws like the washing of hands before eating.

3. Payment of the temple tax.

4. Fasting and Prayer.

5. Giving alms to the poor or needy.

6. Jesus obeyed both the religious and civil laws of the Jews.

Jesus’s Attitude to Civil and Religious Laws:

Jesus had a positive attitude towards obeying both the religious laws and the civil laws. In the words of Jesus Christ, He did not come to disobey the law and the prophets but rather fulfil and obey them. Jesus demonstrated His obedience when He showed a positive attitude towards paying taxes, he said

“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s”

Mark 12:17

This response amazed the people and showed that Jesus had a positive attitude towards obeying all the laws both the civil and religious Laws.