If a poll were taken amongst all people religious or atheist and everything in between I am fairly certain all would agree on one thing, we all hate taxes. That is unless you are a tax collector or a dictator benefitting from the unscrupulous collecting of taxes to the detriment of the people. Such was the scenario in the time when Jesus walked the earth. The Roman Empire rulers lived lavishly off taxing everyone from the richest to the poorest.
Having been unsuccessful in trapping Jesus on other subjects the people who hated His popularity set him up more than once on the subject of taxes. His wise responses revealed more than meets the eye.
Scene 1, modernly described for today’s audience by The MSG version in Matthew 22 , reveals a seemingly succinct response of simply, ‘pay your taxes and shut up.’ Btw, interestingly, Matthew the writer was a reformed tax collector hated by all, but invited by Jesus to be one of His first disciples.
‘The Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod’s followers mixed in, to ask, “Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don’t pander to your students. So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, “Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? Do you have a coin? Let me see it.” They handed him a silver piece.
“This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?” They said, “Caesar.”“Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.” The Pharisees were speechless. They went off shaking their heads.’
Scene 2, provides some deep words from Peter on the subject of taxes, to which Jesus reads his mind and provides a deeper revelation. This one in Matthew 17
‘When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?”
Peter said, “Yes.”
(I find that hilarious, Peter was the loud one arguing about many things and not happy about the state of the world, especially the taxes levied on his former fishing business. Something tells me the ‘Yes’ was filled with some animation.)
‘And when Peter came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?”
And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are from the taxes.’
However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”
Notice in the above that Jesus waited to speak privately with Peter about the tax issue. Jesus was careful to not make government and taxes an arguing point. Despite knowing the people were being cheated and do get abused, it was a side issue and not one to waste a bunch of time and anger on. (note to self, avoid such conversations on FaceBook)
Although it seemed He also made it a point to not pay one additional cent of the tax, and would most likely ‘vote’ when the time comes to have responsible people with integrity in positions where controlling taxes is a necessary part of running a government. It is important for us as good stewards of God’s money to carefully manage our giving records, and I believe wisely use all legal write-offs when completing our Tax forms each year. Be wise with investments, mortgage deductions, property tax payments, donation timing, and other entities that affect your tax rate.
The other key factor perhaps to consider was the coin being in the mouth of a fish. Most of us are aware Jesus performed a miracle twice taking a few pieces of fish and bread and multiplying it to feed crowds larger than 5000. God knows all our needs Worriers-changed-to-Warriors! He knows we have to pay our bills including taxes here in the year 2019. God meets the needs of all His children including providing money to pay our taxes.
I note though, God should not be required to wave a magical miracle wand for every one of our needs. He has provided wisdom and brains to take care of ourselves. Wouldn’t it be ridiculous for God to have to dress us up in our clothes every morning like newborn babies? Thus, we have been given the skills to understand how the money system works.
If you didn’t know it before, now you have 8 Tips for Worry-Free Tax filing. And you have a simple but profound view that God will meet all our needs, even the money to pay taxes!
Your fellow readers would love to hear your comments and perhaps questions. What is your view on taxes, do they stress you out or make you angry? How do you deal with those feelings?
