Matthew 22:15-22 Paying Taxes to Caesar

In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes (a famous Benjamin Franklin quote). And Jesus is facing both of them as the Pharisees and Herodians join efforts to try to catch him with his own words. The Pharisees and Herodians (supporters of Herod the Great and his dynasty) were political enemies, but here they join forces against Jesus. They ask Jesus: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 

Tricky question because if Jesus says "Yes," he would be in disfavor with the people who hated the Roman government for imposing taxes upon them. If Jesus says "No," he could be charged with insurrection against the Roman government. Asking for the coin to pay the tax, he asks whose likeness and inscription is on it. The coin used to pay taxes was the denarius. It had the profile of Tiberius Caesar on one side with the inscription: "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus." Jesus replies: "Therefore, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's."

On the one hand, Jesus acknowledges the power of government and its right to charge taxes. On the other, he establishes a distinction between the government and God. Governments don't necessarily represent God's teachings and commandments, but they are to be respected and obeyed as long as they don't demand I violate my beliefs and my service to God. Augustus claimed divinity and Tiberius was called son of the divine. Rendering to God the things that are God's means to acknowledge that God is the only divinity and Jesus is the true son of the divine. The coin may belong to the government, but divinity is God's and divine sonship is Jesus'.

In those days, it was believed that the power of the emperor extended as far as the coin bearing his image did. Since the coin was in Judea, it was under the emperor's rule despite the Pharisees dislike of the image on the coin. But giving to God what belongs to God is to acknowledge the fact that I bear the image and likeness of God wherever I go. I belong to him. I am rightfully his. Governments may have their taxes, but I belong to God. What is holding me back from a life devoted to him? I must give to God what belongs to him - my life, my everything, my all.

Lord, fill me with your Spirit this day so I may walk in your truth. May I devote myself to you completely without reservation. May I be respectful of the authorities and pay my taxes honestly. Help me discern when the government interferes with my relationship with you.