Spies sent by Jesus’s enemies asked him this question, hoping to catch him in a comment they could use against him. An appropriate query in the midst of the U.S. tax season, is it not?
Jesus answered, delivering a phrase resonating down through the centuries. I prefer the way the King James Version says it: Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.
Mouths agape at his response, the spies stopped asking questions.
Thanks to those spies, I now have an answer to my question on taxation. I pay my due to the governing bodies as Jesus commanded. Next, I turn to the second half of the teaching – I give back to God that which be God’s.
My giving to the Lord stands as important as paying my taxes. Neither shall I skip, during tax season or all year long.
Luke 20:20-26 in week fourteen of reading the Bible cover to cover
Great verse! Thanks for reminding us publicly!
I use it often in personal conversations. Most generally when discussing whether or not ‘Caesar’ has taken over God’s work of charity or whether God’s chosen are paying their ‘fair share’ to what should be the ‘work’ of the church.
Thanks, Tom, for the comment and the thought!