Luke 20:25
He said to them, "Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Show me the person who likes paying taxes, and I'll show you someone who doesn't earn enough to be required to pay them. Although the remaining populace may do so begrudgingly, we know that without tax collecting, governments, local, state, and federal, could not provide the essential services upon which we've come to depend. We may not always agree on how our elected officials choose to spend our money, but the bottom line is, it is spent, for the most part, for the overall safety and security of our cities, states, and country.
This certainly was not true in Jesus' time. In Roman-occupied Palestine, the Jews were taxed for the purpose of sustaining Rome's power and presence in the region. Resentment and hatred toward tax collectors, many of who were known to over-charge and line their own pockets, were rampant. However, to encourage non-payment of taxes would be akin to treason; had Jesus espoused this view, He could have been arrested on the spot.
Jesus understands the temporal issues of the day and knows that any kingdom, empire, or government instituted by man is a fleeting entity. All that truly matters is the eternal kingdom, the Kingdom of God. When we enter into it, we, too, are able to see our present situations in calm perspective, living in faith and hope, knowing assuredly that all we are and all we have is because God gave those gifts to us.
What will you give back to God today?
Readings
Psalms 78:1-39 or 78:40-42
1 Samuel 1:21-2:11
Acts 1:15-26
Luke 20:19-26
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