PAYING TAXES

“Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? Here, show me the coin used for the tax. ”When they handed him a Roman coin, (a denarius) he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
His reply amazed them, and they went away.”

(Gospel of Matthew 22)

Jesus did not point to statues, posters, riots, protests, burning buildings, or political signs, or flags, the right church, the media, the latest Number #1 book, or the correct political party…he pointed to money. Money will always reveal where we stand with the government and with God because it reveals our hearts. It is very simple according to Jesus: Give Caesar what’s his and give God what belongs to God. It seems that reply needs to amaze us as well.

“Whose picture is stamped on it?” he asked them. “And whose name is this beneath the picture?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
“Well, then,” he said, “give it to Caesar if it is his, and give God everything that belongs to God.” Jesus