QUESTIONS ABOUT PAYING TAXES

The Holy Bible says, “...then Jesus said to them, “Well, then, pay the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor; and pay God what belongs to God.”  (Matthew 22:21)

We are all aware how the Pharisees kept an eagle’s eye on Jesus Christ’s public life to uncover faults in Him. The Roman Emperor issued a Law enacting that all should deposit the temple tax in the treasury that could rebuild the destructed Temple. This change was against the traditional belief of the Christian Jews who believed that taxes should be paid to God and His Temple and rebellion began to spread and question against the Jewish Christians disloyalty. On this background the Pharisees gathered some of their people and sent them along with Herod’s group to trap Jesus Christ with questions.

They asked Jesus, “What do you think? Is it against our Law to pay taxes to the Roman Emperor, or not?” (Matthew 22:17). The question, though, very simple, Lord Jesus saw through their evil intention.  Aware of their corruptness, Jesus did not take any of their side because if He would speak in favour of Caesar, He would be declared an enemy of the public and labelled as anti-patriot.  And if Lord would answer as it is not lawful paying taxes to Emperor then He could be easily handed over to the authorities in charges of conspiracy and be put to death. Lord Jesus’ mission of Salvation was above all this. He was not on this earth to be politically right or to help in political liberalization.  Jesus’ insight knew that their intention was not based on God or Caesar but it was God and Caesar. Therefore Lord Jesus summons, “Show Me the coin for paying the tax!” When they brought it He asked again, “Whose face and title are these?”  When they answered, “It belongs to the “Emperor”.  Lord Jesus concluded by saying, “Give therefore to the Emperor his dues and to God the things that belong to God.”

The ruler had the right to impose the law of taxes and the public were to accept the amended Law and pay the rightful Tax with the currency imposed by Him. It was the duty of a man (civilian) to obey and pay His dues to God who had dominance over him. A Christian has a dual citizenship- He is a citizen of His country as well as a citizen of Heaven. As a habitant of the earth (country) He is as expected to contribute along with the authorities for the betterment of the society in alignment to loving and serving his motherland in a spirit of truth, gratitude and justice.

Take for instance another occasion in the Holy Bible. When the temple tax collectors came to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher pay the Temple Tax?” Here instead of offending the public Jesus Christ handled the situation in a practical manner. He tells Peter, “Go to the lake and drop a line. Pull up the first fish you hook and you will find a coin in its mouth.  That will be enough to pay our taxes.”  (Matthew 17:24-27) He instructs Peter to work and get enough money to pay the taxes for both Jesus and himself. Through Peter, Jesus Christ teaches and instructs that we ought to work hard and that every person has a duty towards God and the nation. Our expression of love to our country is evident when it benefits from our co-operation and in our eagerness to develop and built it.  An honest citizen will defend his/her country at the cost of their life. A good Christian honours both God and citizen by paying his dues to both. 

Through this incident our Lord Jesus teaches us about the value of honesty during tax payment. Instead of performing a miracle that could produce sufficient coins to pay the authorities which would have resulted in Peter not taking any physical effort; contradictory to all this Jesus enlightens us that we are called to work hard for our sustenance and pay our dues in a truthful and  sincere light. Jesus Christ never performed any miracle to showcase His popularity or power; instead His deep intention while performing miracles was to fulfil the purpose of the God’s Mission through Him.  

Expecting a miracle in our daily life is also a dishonest and easy act.  The Lord need not perform a miracle when He has freely provided all requirements to achieve our goal in life.  He will definitely come to our help when we approach Him in faith and trust Him in our deep distresses and troubles.  All that we have belongs to God the Supreme Creator and the Source of existence. So whatever you do towards your nation and God in His Name will make you entitled for an eternal reward.  

So let us give our dues cheerfully and honestly as Jesus taught, “Giving to Caesar is giving to God.”

May the Lord bless you and take care of you. May He be kind and gracious to you. May the Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.

With love filled blessings,

Your Sister in Christ