Reflections: Giving to Caesar

Today’s First5 devotional was from the 12th chapter of Mark’s Gospel, with Jesus sharing a parable of tenant farmers killing messengers sent by the landowner and, eventually, killing the landowner’s son. Recognizing themselves in the story, religious leaders hoped to trap Jesus by asking him a craftily-worded question: “Teacher, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 

They were right; Jesus is impartial and his mission on earth was to teach the way of God; in fact, He IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Their purpose, however, was less noble—to trap Him into answering that yes, taxes should be paid (not popular with the Jews), or no, they should not (not popular with the Romans).

Jesus’ answer indicates that he saw through their plan. Asking for a coin with Caesar’s inscription, He gave the famous reply, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 

Checking email and social media after my Bible reading, I saw several references to upcoming August ballot questions for Missouri, including Amendment 5, summarized as “aiming to eliminate the state income tax and replace it with increased sales taxes, allowing lawmakers to impose new sales taxes without current restrictions.” 

Without straying too far into the political weeds, proponents of Amendment 5 say the average Missourian’s overall tax bill will go down, pointing to other states without an income tax; opponents say low-income residents and seniors who already pay little income tax would risk paying more tax overall, especially if voters lose rights to vote on new sales taxes. Looking back at Mark 12, I wondered, “What would Jesus say?” 

I think the answer, hinted at by the First5 devotional writer, has much less to do with money than it has to do with our hearts. Although Jewish people hated the Roman occupation, the Romans had built an advanced system of roads and a postal system, bringing much of the known world into economic unity. Jesus knew those would greatly facilitate the spread of the Gospel after his Resurrection. And Jewish leaders, with Roman permission, continued to fund Temple necessities with a yearly tax initiated during the return of the exiles to Jerusalem. 

Jesus was clearly not opposed to paying taxes; He even provided miraculously for his and Peter’s temple tax by putting a coin in a fish’s mouth! But his primary concern was to build God’s Kingdom in the hearts of his followers. They had trouble grasping that, as any of us would! But when He said, “Give to God what is God’s,” He was talking about much more than Caesar’s taxes vs. Temple taxes. 

Scripture makes it clear that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and both Old and New Testament passages refer to us as “belonging to God.” Romans 14:8 says, “Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 6:19 asks, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit . . .  You are not your own” (NIV). One of Jesus’ closest followers, John, tells us throughout his epistles to “remain in God;” “abide in God,” “know that we are of God.” While finances do help build God’s Kingdom, “what is God’s” also includes us! 

Getting back to Missouri’s tax question, I’m can’t tell anyone how to vote, but I do suggest applying Jesus’ answer to ALL the ballot questions. As believers, we most vote as someone who belongs to God. Some things are obvious—for example, the value of unborn humans. Decent roads and infrastructure make daily life safer and more convenient. As temporary citizens of this earth, yet belonging to God, we need to do research; read questions carefully; and elect legislators who will enact laws that allow us to follow our consciences. 

As elections approach, let us keep Jesus’ instructions in mind, remember to Whom we belong, and ask Him to guide us in voting accordingly.