Contents
Introduction
Are God and government in opposition? The Jewish authority were determined to eliminate Jesus. Since their other attempts failed, they now resorted to setting trap for him. They wanted Jesus to be the cause of his own downfall and condemnation. The Herodians were political groups. The Pharisees sending them and their own disciples to Jesus was an attempt to get Jesus entrapped in political matter. At the conclusion of the parable on the king who organised a wedding banquet for his son (Matt 22:1–14), Jesus says “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt 22:14). Matthew continues his narration and notes that “the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said” (Matt 22:15). What did Jesus say? Jesus has said so many things in and through his interesting parables. Without doubt, the Jewish authority knew those parables referred to them.
The plan to trap Jesus
Now, the Jewish authority know what to do, but they do not know how to execute their evil plan. Since the crowd see Jesus as a true prophet of God, and they believe him, the authority cannot arrest him publicly else, they risk the negative reaction of the people. The next option is to set trap for Jesus so that he himself will be the reason for his own arrest. What a master plan! Let us not forget that these are the people who were supposed to speak the truth, maintain justice and righteousness, but now, they themselves are obstructing the truth and seeking to eliminate Jesus because he criticizes their selfishness and godlessness, and refused to be like them.…
Conclusion
The subject of taxes was a burning issue in the days of Jesus, due to the domineering Roman Empire. In response to a foolish question, “is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Jesus invites his followers to honour and respect God and government. Christians should realize they hold dual citizenship in the kingdom of God and in the country to which they pledge allegiance. Hence, they must keep this truth in balance and always live in a way that honours God. While Jesus invites Christians to pay or give tax to Caesar.…
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