Entangled

People have developed an idiomatic manner of communication. When someone invites you for dinner and says that they are going to throw some ‘Shrimp on the Barbie’, they are implying that they are going to cook food on a grill and that includes shrimp in some form or another. Sounds simple.

Once while Jesus was teaching his followers, the pious Pharisees laid plans to trap Jesus. They confronted Jesus one day and asked him a question publicly that had hidden undertones. Sensing a trap, Jesus took their question. They asked, “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Matthew 22:17. Sounds simple!

 

The question seems simple enough, but what they were really asking was: “Jesus; is it in accordance with the Torah, the Jews sacred law, to pay taxes to Caesar?” If this land really belonged to the Jews as God said, how could they pay tribute to any other power, king, or god, or person? If Jesus said they should pay, they could charge Him with disloyalty to Judaism. If He said no, they could denounce Him to the Romans! See the trap with sharp barbs?

 

Jesus avoided this trap by showing that we have dual citizenship “Show proper respect for everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” 1 Peter 2:17 Our citizenship in the nation requires that we pay money for the services and benefits we receive. Our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven requires that we pledge to God our primary obedience and commitment.

Jesus knew the distinction between political and spiritual responsibilities. Caesar was entitled to taxes and political obedience; God was entitled to worship, service, and the dedication of one’s life. Sound simple?

Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:21

When they heard what Jesus said they were amazed and went away. We should not be amazed; we should nod in agreement and beware of traps.