15 Then the Pharisees met together to find a way to trap Jesus in his words. 16 They sent their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are genuine and that you teach God’s way as it really is. We know that you are not swayed by people’s opinions, because you don’t show favoritism. 17 So tell us what you think: Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
18 Knowing their evil motives, Jesus replied, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used to pay the tax.” And they brought him a denarion. 20 “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked.
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” 22 When they heard this they were astonished, and they departed.
Reflection
There’s no doubt—we are living in a politically charged time. Almost every issue seems to spark more division than dialogue. Leaders on all sides often appear more interested in shouting past each other than in solving real problems. Tragically, this toxic political climate has even cost human lives. I find myself wondering: Will things ever calm down?
But history reminds us that political tension is nothing new. Even Jesus navigated politically loaded situations.
In this passage from Matthew 22, the Pharisees—along with supporters of Herod—approach Jesus with a trap disguised as a question: “Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” A “yes” could discredit Him with the Jewish people, who resented Roman rule. A “no” could get Him arrested for insurrection. But Jesus, aware of their motives, asks to see a coin. Holding it up, He gives a stunningly wise response: “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
This moment isn’t just about taxes. It’s about allegiance.
The coin bore Caesar’s image—so it belonged to Caesar. But you and I bear the image of God. That means we belong to God.
Jesus wasn’t sidestepping the issue; He was reframing it. Yes, civic responsibilities matter—pay your taxes, follow the law, and engage in the public square in constructive ways. But don’t mistake what is temporary for what is eternal. Don’t give your ultimate loyalty to any earthly system.
Your time, your worship, your love, your body, your very life—all bear God’s image. They are God’s. And God calls us to live with that clarity: to distinguish what belongs to the world from what belongs to God, and to give each its proper place.
by Manny Estevez
For Pondering and Prayer
- Am I giving God what is truly God’s—my heart, my time, my obedience?
- Where have I allowed the things of this world to compete with my devotion to God?
- Do I recognize God’s image in myself and in others?
Prayer: God of all peace and power, we pray for you to calm the political tensions and violence we see in our world. Fill our leaders—and all people—with Your love, wisdom, and peace, so that we may resolve our differences through respectful conversation and mutual understanding, not division or violence. And no matter what we face, help us to give You what is rightfully Yours—our whole selves. May we always live with hearts devoted to You above all else. In the holy and loving name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
