I do not think it an overstatement to say, that everyone in today’s economy is concerned with finances. The use of “money1” in one form or another has driven national fiscal power since the days of the Old Testament. One of the verses heard repeatedly about this subject by Christians and Non-believers alike is our text for today.
The question is simple. In this verse was Jesus really talking about taxes and civic responsibility? My answer may surprise you.
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CONTEXT
Chapter 20:
Verse 25:
v.20–26. I beg the Reader to observe the eagerness with which those awful characters followed up their pursuit, in hunting after the life of JESUS. The Evangelist saith, that it was the same hour. Like the malice of the men, which in after days sought to destroy Paul, who vowed neither to eat or drink, till they had killed him. Acts 23:12. But let not the Reader overlook in every minute circumstance which attended the death of the LORD JESUS, the hand of JEHOVAH in all. This is a grand part in the whole transaction. Isaiah 53:10. John 19:10, 11. Acts 2:23. 4:27, 28. The, attempt of those men in the instance here mentioned, was with a view to bring an accusation against him, to the Roman government. The nation of the Jews at that time, was under bondage to this power. And the whole body of the people were looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, to deliver them from it. Nothing therefore could exceed the art of those men. They therefore now send spies, which should address JESUS very courteously; Rabbi! (say they,) we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teacheth the way of GOD in truth. Thus in flattering words, they covered over their evil design. Either way, by CHRIST’S answer, they made sure to entangle him. For if he confessed the authority of the Roman government, they concluded he would lose his popularity among those who considered him as the Messiah. And if he denied the Roman power of tribute, they would have hurried him away to Pontius Pilate the governor. Precious JESUS! how truly wert thou all along manifested to be the hind of the morning, when, according to thine own language, many bulls compassed thee, and strong bulls of Bashan beset thee round! Psm. 22 title, and 12th verse.
Robert Hawker, Poor Man’s New Testament Commentary: Matthew–John, vol. 1 (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2013), 484–485.
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So let us look at this verse and its parallel verse (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17) a little closer. Amplified Bible: He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Remembering that context is so important in interpreting the Bible, let us back up to verses 1-8 and note that Jesus is also undergoing an inquisition by members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish High Court. As is His custom He answers their inquiry with His own question. This immediately agitates these “leaders” and the plot begins. Jesus quickly launches into a parable in verses 9-18, seemingly ignoring chief priests and the scribes.
Then we come to the question or trp these “leaders” tried to set for Jesus in verses 19-26. Since most readers get hung up on verse 22 I have highlighted it below also.
19The scribes and the chief priests tried to [find a way to] arrest Him at that very hour, but they were afraid of the people; because they understood that He spoke this parable against them. 20So they watched [for a chance to trap] Him. They sent spies who pretended to be upright and sincere, in order that they might catch Him in some statement [that they could distort and use against Him], so that they could turn Him over to the control and authority of [Pilate] the governor. 21They asked Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and that You show no partiality to anyone, but teach the way of God truthfully. 22Is it lawful [according to Jewish law and tradition] for us to pay taxes (tribute money) to [b]Caesar or not?” 23But He saw through their trickery and said to them, 24“Show Me a [Roman] denarius. Whose image and inscription does the coin have?” They answered, “[the Emperor Tiberius] Caesar’s.” 25He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 26They were not able to seize on anything He said in the presence of the people; and being unnerved at His reply, they were silent.
Are the Sanhedrin really concerned about taxes? Context (and historical documents) tell us their only concern was keeping power and eliminating the threat Jesus posed.
Is Jesus really concerned about taxes or Caesar? The simple answer is NO! Jesus is not concerned with taxes He is once again telling these unholy rulers to get right with God. If this was really about taxes, Jesus would have simply said, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, nothing more would have been needed.
Jesus clearly states; “Then pay… to God the things that are God’s.” Another way of looking at this is to say that if Casar wants some due coin (taxes) give it to him, just NEVER neglect giving God His due first. Should we be as “true Christians” concerned with paying our taxes, yes of course. Should we be engaged with the economy, government, etc, again yes of course. Should we ever focus on those or any issue above God, no.
Jesus is emphasizing God as priority #1 something these hypocritical ruling class Jews had abandoned. It is not about taxes, Caesar, or a coin, it is as is everything else Christ spoke of about God.
RELATED:
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s”?
How Healthy Are Local And State Finances?
https://www.hoover.org/research/how-healthy-are-local-and-state-finances
What the Markets Are Saying (about Biden)
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