Paying Taxes

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. ¹⁶So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. ¹⁷Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” ¹⁸But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? ¹⁹Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. ²⁰Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” ²¹They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” ²²When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. Matthew 22:15-22

One of Jesus' favorite defensive tactics against his religious opponents was to answer questions with questions. In this story, he knows the Pharisees are trying to trick him and he does not fall for it. They are trying to get him to say something either blasphemous or treasonous. If he only speaks about paying taxes to the emperor and does not acknowledge God, then the Pharisees could claim he doesn't acknowledge God as creator of all things. On the other hand, if he gives all credit to God and doesn't encourage people to give to the emperor it would cause a revolt and he would run afoul with the powerful Roman army. Needless to say, Jesus outwits the Pharisees and other opponents at every turn.


The deeper truth is that all things are from God. Yes, we find ourselves under the rule and authority of human governments and leaders, but ultimately God is in charge. Jesus is not advocating revolt or not paying taxes, but he does remind us all that the final authority on all of these matters is God.


In Jesus' day, the tax system implemented and enforced by the Romans was corrupt and exploitative. Tax collectors took bribes and graft at the expense of people's property and homes. This left many wondering whether paying taxes was justifiable for those seeking to follow God. While, the revolutionaries would have wished a more forceful response from Jesus, his response acknowledges the precarious position of the Jewish people in his day as well as the ultimate authority of God. There may be times to protest unjust laws and oppressive governments when they are conflict with faithfully following God, but in this case Jesus mission to the cross superseded it. In our time, we acknowledge the authority of the state in our lives, but seek to live by the higher authority of God.


Prayer: Lord, help me to live in the tension of earthly and divine authority. Let me know the difference between following the law and following God's law, in Jesus' name, AMEN.