How many of you like to pay taxes? If I could peek through the computer right now, I don’t think I would see too many hands raised. No one enjoys paying income tax every year, nor the taxes on the items we buy. However, most of us enjoy the various benefits and services of the countries we live in which those taxes provide. Our Scripture today looks into a question that was asked to the Lord Jesus about paying taxes. Let’s take a look and see what His answer was, what He has to say about taxes, and what a believer’s relationship to civil government should be.
The events in our Scripture took place a few days after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and shortly before His betrayal and crucifixion. The religious leaders had been challenging Jesus all week, and they were actively looking for a way to discredit Him before the people, and if possible, before the Roman authorities. On this day the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus. When they came to Him they were not seeking truth (vs. 15). Their hearts were hardened in unbelief, despite having seen His miracles and hearing His teaching, and they sought His destruction. People often reject Christ, not because evidence is lacking, but because their hearts are unwilling to submit to Him.
These Pharisees joined up with the Herodians to entrap Jesus (vs. 16). This was a very unusual pairing, but because they both hated Jesus, and desired to destroy Him, they came together. The Pharisees were strongly nationalistic, were meticulous in keeping the Law, and deeply resented Roman rule. The Herodians, on the other hand, supported the Herodian dynasty, and generally cooperated with Rome. They came with hypocritical flattery. While everything they said was accurate, it was insincere. It is possible to say true things about Jesus without truly trusting Him.
They asked Jesus whether He felt it was right to pay taxes or tribute money to Caesar or not (vs. 17). Though a normal question, it was carefully designed to trap Jesus. If He said yes, it would alienate Him from many Jews, thinking He supported Roman oppression. But if He answered no, the Romans could accuse Him of rebellion. No one can outwit God, though! Jesus saw through their deception (vs. 18). Their outward politeness concealed an inward hatred. We must remember, God sees beyond outward appearances to the motives of the heart (I Samuel 16:7).
Jesus requested a coin used in paying these taxes, and when they brought Him one, He asked whose face was on the coin (vs. 19-20). The coin bore the image of Tiberius Caesar. The fact that they possessed and used Roman currency revealed something important. They were benefiting from the Roman system they claimed to oppose. Jesus responded with a significant statement (vs. 21). His answer acknowledged that civil government has legitimate authority. Caesar had a rightful sphere of authority. The coin bore Caesar’s image and circulated under his government, therefore certain obligations, such as taxes, should be paid. We see similar statements in several epistles - Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13-17. Government is an institution ordained by God for maintaining civil order.
Jesus then balanced that statement with an even greater truth, that everything ultimately belongs to God. While the coin bears Caesar’s image, human beings bear God’s image. Taxes may belong to Caesar, but worship belongs only to God. Allegiance to government is limited, but allegiance to God is absolute. Jesus was not teaching blind obedience to rulers. When the government orders something that is explicitly contrary to what the Bible says, we are to obey God (Acts 5:29). This passage supports both lawful citizenship and unwavering obedience to God when the two come into conflict. These enemies of Jesus were left speechless. Man’s wisdom cannot overcome God’s wisdom.
Our Scripture teaches that believers should generally pay taxes, respect lawful authority, and be good citizens, as long as obedience does not require disobedience to God. The government may claim our taxes, but God claims our worship, our allegiance, our hearts, and our lives. The coin belonged to Caesar because it carried his image. We belong to God because we bear His image. Every person owes God worship, obedience, and surrender. Jesus’ perfect answer demonstrated His divine wisdom, and exposed the hypocrisy of those who opposed Him. The Christian is to be a good citizen of his earthly nation while remaining first and foremost a citizen of God’s kingdom.
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