At first glance, October 16th’s scripture reading from Matthew 22 looks like just another debate over taxes. Read on to discover the deeper meaning and timely relevance these passages have to offer.
Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap [Jesus] 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.
Render to God
Sermon by Rev. Jane Grady, October 16, 2011
In many circles, that five-letter word “taxes” carries the punch of a four-letter word! Consider all the heated conversation about whether taxes should be raised or lowered, and on whom, and what’s fair and what’s not fair, and who agrees or disagrees with Warren Buffet. With all this divisive bickering, wouldn’t it be great to call Jesus down from on high, and ask him to weigh in on exactly who’s paying more than their fair share, and who is not paying enough, and is there a more equitable tax plan out there? Except, as someone has duly noted, to ask Jesus to pass judgment on these matters would more than likely get him crucified all over again!
