Matthew 22:15-22
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
Links to Explore
- Who are the Herodians?
- Who Does and Doesn’t Pay Income Taxes in the US?
- Do You Have a Moral Duty to Pay Taxes?
- Book Review: How to Stand Up to a Dictator?
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean that Jesus isn’t carrying a taxable coin himself?
- In what ways should Christians abide by their political rulers? In what ways should they resist?
- What is ours? What is the Lord’s? If everything is God’s, then what is our purpose?
- What does it mean to belong to God?
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Haiku
To be free
while the world burns can’t
be the goal.
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