Taxes

     Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”
     But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
     “Caesar’s,” they replied.
     Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 
                                                          Matthew 22:17-21

The income tax season is almost over and I am just getting to it. Tax season spans about one third of the year. Then, there are those summer property taxes due as well and can't forget quarterly estimated taxes, either. It does not bother me all that much to pay taxes. I am just not thrilled with the filing of the income and estimated taxes. I do not like having to think so hard about money. I am prone to procrastination when it comes to getting them done.

Jesus was asked by the Pharisees if it was lawful to pay taxes to an emperor. This was a trick question. In reality, if he said yes, the Pharisees would probably construe it to mean that it was okay to pay homage to someone other than God. If he said no, he would be denying the authority of the emperor to rule in this world. They were confounding the two kingdoms. Jesus responded by asking who's face was on the coin that the they paid this tax with. They brought forth a coin with Caesar's face. Then pay to Caesar what is Caesar's he told them.

We may find discomfort in parting with our savings to pay the taxes the government requests or demands. But, do not worry. You are a child of the Kingdom of God. God will provide and because He provides so well for us, we remember to love and serve Him above all things. Honor him by doing what is right for this world and most of all so that He might be glorified in all that we say and think and do. Pay to Caesar what is Caesar's; but, do not neglect to give to God what is God's.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Kingdom where all debts have been paid for us by the blood of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J