Jesus recognizes the trap.  If he says it is lawful then the Pharisees, who hate the Roman occupation will be able to tell the Jews that Jesus is in favor of the Romans ruling Israel.  If he says it is not lawful then the Herodians have Jesus’ confirmation that the people of Israel should not be paying taxes to Rome and that he is a potential insurrectionist.  No matter the answer either the Pharisees or the Herodians win, and have an opportunity to rid themselves of Jesus.

Instead, Jesus asks to see a coin.  In plain sight of all of his listeners he asks whose picture is on the coin and they answer Caesars.  Jesus’ answer,  “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s.”

While this statement seems to separate the daily life from the spiritual, there is another aspect to what has happened.  By having his picture on the coin Caesar has claimed that in reality the coin belongs to him.  Well and good, and the taxes, as collected by the government, can be used as the government determines best.  But if look to the beginning of the Old Testament (the only bible in Jesus’ time) in Genesis we see that God made mankind in his own image.  We have the picture of God on each and every one of us.  We belong to a Sovereign God, and our God will put each of us to His use.

Join us for our October 18th Worship Service. 

Upper Right: Tribute Money, 1633, Jacob Adriaensz Backer, National Museum, Stockholm, Sweden / lower Left: Tribute Money Stained Glass Windows, by Rambusch Company, First Presbyterian Church, Boise, Idaho /