Not just about Taxes

 

“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” – Mark 12:17 (ERV)

Jesus was responding to a group of religious and political leaders comprising Pharisees and Herodians, who, as was their norm, were trying to entrap Jesus by getting Him to say the wrong thing. This time they’d asked,

Tell us, is it right to pay taxes to Caesar? Should we pay them or not?  – Mark 12:14 (ERV)

Speaking in the temple, Jesus used stories to teach the people (Mark 12:1 ERV); these stories are called parables, each with meaning beyond itself. Jesus, in earshot of the Jewish leaders, told a parable of a man who planted a vineyard (Mark 12:1-11). The wicked tenants in the story are not seen in a positive light especially since they do not respect the son of the vineyard owner.

When these Jewish leaders heard this story, they knew it was about them. They wanted to find a way to arrest Jesus… – Mark 12:12 (ERV)

Cue the Pharisees and the Herodians.

Now in those days paying taxes was not an uncommon practice. Taxes were imposed long before the reign of king Solomon, so taxation was not a Roman invention of Jesus’ day, however, the extortion that accompanied their method of collection resulted in undue oppression of the Jews and gave rise to the Jewish hatred of tax collectors.

The Roman denarius was used for paying taxes. This coin was referred to as “tribute money” and featured the image and name of a Caesar, either Augustus or Tiberias, along with the words “divine imperator”, “father of his country” on one side and “highest priest” on the other. Both the image and wording inscribed in Latin were part of the act of worship of Caesar performed in those days. Each Caesar, a title given to Roman emperors, was believed to be a son of a god.

The religious leaders asked Jesus this particular question about taxes, not to gain knowledge but to trick.

“Why are you trying to catch me saying something wrong? Bring me a silver coin. Let me see it.” – Mark 12:15 (ERV)

More than likely, the image of Tiberias, who was Caesar at the time of Jesus’ ministry, would have been on the coin that was handed to Jesus.

Jesus, as was His norm, flipped the narrative by asking,

“Whose picture is on the coin? And whose name is written on it?” They answered, “It is Caesar’s picture and Caesar’s name.” – Mark 12:16 (ERV)

Caesar’s picture and name were on the coin; the earthly governing authority was exactly where it was meant to be.

Beloved, Paul tells us in Romans 13:1(LEB),

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except by God, and those that exist are put in place by God.

Looking at some of those in authority it is difficult to comprehend this verse, but we must remember that God has a purpose for His actions.

The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked [according to their role] for the day of evil. – Proverbs 16:4 (AMP)

Even the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, who initiated the 70-year captivity of God’s chosen people, was appointed by God according to Daniel 2:37-38.

Jesus’ response, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” is not just about taxes, it is about leaders who claim, like the Caesars, what belongs to God – the tributes and the honour and the worship and the glory – and how we, as God’s people are to deal with them.

No matter what, God must always take priority, however, His people still have to adhere to the laws and demands of those in authority even if they are non-believers because God places non-Christians in positions of governing authority.

Be willing to serve the people who have authority in this world. Do this for the Lord.  – 1 Peter 2:13 (ERV)

It is God who establishes that authority therefore Christians, out of respect for God, must obey their leadership.

On the flip side of this same coin, this forbids God’s people to give to those opposed to God what must only be given to God.

Beloved, this is one of those biblical Truths that calls for some serious contemplation, it’s something that God’s people have wrestled with from time immemorial.

Whatever Jesus said then He is saying to us today.

And, when all is said and done, there remains, as faint as it may seem, a dividing line that mustn’t be crossed as we must be mindful to whom we give worshipful tribute to and that is not a contradiction.

Mark 12:17 (ERV) goes on to say that the men were amazed at what Jesus said just as we are.

 

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Not just about Taxes” ©2026, January 10, 2026