What would be the perspective of Jesus and the law of Caesar? (Tax was a law of Caesar’s) Would you feel the blood of Jesus allows us to enter Heaven but does not allow us a pass if we commit a crime on earth? Often it can feel the emotional gas-lighting phrase of what would Jesus do. Is applied to a criminal situation as a pass for the mercy of God. Would not the mercy of God be, that you can enter Heaven but in terms of what time you might face in Jail? That would be up to the mercy of human courts.
Scripture is filled with the battles between good and evil. Along with the battles between the law and the spirit of life. However, that battle tends to be more about hypocrisy and unjust laws. The question of feeding the poor who are hungry or feeding a hungry criminal who continues to escape justice is a contentious point depending on circumstances. So considering human courts of law versus the blood of Jesus and the forgiveness of sin. Which might allow us to enter Heaven but not escape prison time. We ponder some scriptures.
WEB Proverbs 6:30-33 Men don’t despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry; 31 but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house. 32 He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul. 33 He will get wounds and dishonor. His reproach will not be wiped away.
WEB Matthew 18:15-17 “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. 16 But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.
What would Jesus do? Jesus was accused of a crime of which he was innocent and submitted himself until death to the judgment of the ruling authority on earth. Romans 13:10 Love does no harm to a neighbor…
Any form of harm can place you outside of love. We should be careful about what we wish for, or how we might expect others to act. Our version of love can have consequences.
NIV Romans 13:1-10 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Love Fulfills the Law
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.