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. 

"Give What To WHO?"

¹⁵ Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. ¹⁶ They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. ¹⁷ Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

¹⁸ But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? ¹⁹ Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin, ²⁰ he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
²¹ “Caesar’s,” they replied.
“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
²² His reply amazed them, and they went away.
Matthew 22:15-22 

You have to give it to the Pharisees.....they were bound and determined to trip Jesus up so they could get rid of Him.  And today's passage is no exception.  

Let's look at 5 points here:

   1.   Beware of those who flatter you!  The Pharisees said, "We know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don't play favorites."

    2.  Beware the hook!  "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

    3.  Be prepared to side step the trap! Jesus asked for a coin used to pay taxes and received a denari.  Then He asked the Pharisees, "Who's picture and title are stamped on this coin?" 

    4.  Be prepared to speak the truth!  "Caesar's," [the Pharisees] replied. Then Jesus told them the obvious: "If it is Caesar's then give it to Caesar, if it is God's then give it to God!"

   5.  When the TRUTH is told, "Pharisees" of all kinds will be flabbergasted!