Taxing Situation

Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?

Matthew 22:17

 

Jesus didn't sugar coat the mission for His Disciples (and for Believers now)!  In Matthew 10:16, He comes right out and tells us that "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.  Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."  Jesus is reminding us that we cannot close our eyes and sing "Amazing Grace" as we wander blissfully through this life believing everyone is wonderful and cares about us.  Jesus wants us to know that in this World, we have GOT to be wise and quick witted or we can get distracted by the evil in this world.  

 

THEN, we are given an example of how Jesus' is quick witted and sharp as a sword in Matthew 22.  Jesus encounters two groups asking Him about paying taxes to Caesar.  One group were the Herodians who supported the rule of Rome over Israel and believed paying taxes to Rome was the right thing to do.  The other group were the Pharisees who believed it was wrong to be under Roman rule and being forced to pay taxes to Rome.  And BOTH groups wanted to catch Jesus so they could bring Him up on charges to get rid of Him.  So when they asked the question of Jesus, they thought they had Him trapped!  If Jesus said it was right to pay taxes to Rome, then the Pharisees could condemn Him as a traitor to Israel.  If Jesus said it was not right to pay taxes to Rome, the Herodians could condemn Him as traitor and call for His execution.

 

Jesus found Himself in a sticky situation between a Lion and a Bear.  How would He get out of this predicament?  It would be at this time that a television program would throw in about 20 commercials.  However, Jesus, being the shrewd and quick witted person He is, asked these groups a question: "Look at the coin. Whose face is on it?"  They said "Caesar's."  And Jesus surprised them all by saying, "Since it's Caesar's likeness on the coin, it must be his.  If it's his, give it to him."  

 

We are called to be the same way!  Study to know the truth!  Study to show the truth! And LIVE the truth!  If you call yourself a believer, then your actions and life will prove it.