From the UCC Network: 10/16/2011 "About Taxes"

About Taxes

Excerpt from Matthew 22: 15-22 

"Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?"

Reflection by Felix Carrion

Entrapment is the aim of the question about taxes posed to Jesus by the Pharisees. But Jesus is too smart to fall into the trap. He's also too smart to supply a yes or no response. And, for sure, he will not answer a question each of them must answer for themselves.

(Having said this, Google "famous quotes about taxes," if you want to laugh and be intrigued.)

Now back to the question about taxes served to Jesus on a large platter of political machinations, seasoned with a whole lot of flattery. (Is this sounding familiar?)

Here's the deal. Two factions in Jesus' day were having it out over taxes. The Herodians, supporters of the local dynasty of Herod, were clear about paying taxes to the emperor, their overload. With Rome's backing they had garnered their power and fortunes. The Zealots, on the other hand, were committed to overthrowing Rome's rule over Israel, and would not support in any shape or form paying taxes to their oppressors. The Pharisees were kind of in the middle. They did not abide being subjects of Roman dominance but were in opposition to the Zealots’ use of force.

Had Jesus answered no, he probably would have been arrested on the spot. Had he answered yes, he would have landed squarely on the side of the Herodians, willing subjects of Rome and of this world’s power and fortune.

So, Jesus says show me the coin used for the tax.  (Note he didn't pull one out of his "pocket.") Whose head is this, and whose title? They answer, Caesar's.  Jesus responds, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God.”

What I hear and see in Jesus' actions and words is this: What does the world say about who is the head of your life? What does the world say about what this ruler is entitled to?

Now, what do you say?

Prayer

O God, grant me pure clarity about what belongs to this world and what belongs to you. And, may I give my all to you. Amen.

About the Author Felix Carrion is Coordinator of The Stillspeaking Ministry, United Church of Christ.