Paying taxes to the emperor

Gospel Reading: Mk 12:13-17

SOME Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.” They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.” So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.

REFLECTION Why are you testing me?

Jesus knows the malicious intent of the Pharisees and Herodians sent by the Sadducees to ensnare him. His answer to the question of paying taxes will make him either a traitor or a rebel. If he says yes to taxes, he will be branded as pro-Roman and hated by his fellow Jews. If he says no, the Romans will arrest him for fomenting rebellion.

Knowing their bad faith, Jesus entertains them anyway. His reply, “Repay to Caesar… repay to God…,” disarms them and leaves them dumbfounded. His enemies are thrown off course by this unexpected answer.

Does Jesus make a compromise? No, he maintains his focus as the Son of God who is above the concerns of the Romans and the Jews on paying taxes (toll tax and temple tax). His Jewish haters must realize that the Kingdom he is establishing is above all kingdoms and religions.

Jesus is concerned about a higher value. People must submit themselves to the power of God and live peacefully in his realm where everybody has a place, where no one threatens or is intimidated because of taxes.

“Lord, because you have made me, I owe you the whole of my love; because you have redeemed me, I owe you the whole of myself” (St. Anselm).