Matthew 22: 23-33 Is It Lawful To Pay Taxes?

Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” And hearing this, they were amazed, and leaving Him, they went away.

We need to remember how the Romans were despised, because of their occupation of Palestine. The tax collectors were considered traitors, because of their collecting tribute for Rome. Here, Jesus’ opponents seek to snare him by having him either side with Rome or to be a law breaker. His response was very simple and forthright, which is pay to Rome that which is theirs. More importantly, give your first fruits to the Almighty.

Daily Prayer: Father, in You is righteousness and in you no blame can be found. Lift us up to the true message of these verses, which is to honor You in all things and not to see You in the same manner of the world. The world is Yours and all that it contains, but let the sons and daughters of God not be found guilty of any claim in Your name. In Jesus name I pray Amen.