Paying Taxes to the Emperor

Gosper Reading:  Mk 12:13-17

Notes

TAXES:  Te question about paying taxes to the emperor is an explosive3 one, when the reader considers that the Pharisees, who did not favor the tax, and the Herodians, who did favor its payment, both present themselves to Jesus.  No matter what answer Jesus gives, He is trapped.  Jesus will end up taking a position that either will bring Him in conflict with the Roman authorities (it is unlawful to pay the tax) or will be contrary to the belief of most Jews (it is lawful to pay the tax). 

The underlying theological debate, however, has to do with the presupposition of the existence of two kingdoms—that of God and that of the emperor.  If the questioner posits the existence of two kingdoms which one has legitimate authority, and which one has power? 

Those who ask this legal question produce the Roman coin when Jesus asks for it.  since the questioners possess and use the coin themselves, it is obvious that they see some benefit in it.  in effect, they have accepted the financial advantages of the Roman administration of the land.  Those who use Caesar’s money should pay his taxes. 

Those who share in the fruits of the vineyard (cf Mk 12:1-12) should give to God what belongs to Him.  Caesar’s coin is temporary; all else is eternal and belongs to God.  God’s image and inscription are not found on coins but on all of creation. 

By answering in this way,  Jesus avoids taking sides and exposes the hypocrisy of those who ask the question.  It is not a question of paying or not paying the tax:  it is a question of where one’s loyalties lie in actual facts. 

SOURCE:  “365 Days with the Lord,” Email:  pulishing@stpauls.ph; Website:  http://www.stpauls.ph.