Paying Tribute to Caesar and to God

Throughout Jesus’ ministry the Jewish leaders attempted to “entangle” or trick the savior in some way. In Matthew 22:15-22 (same stories found in Mark 12:13-17 and Luke 20:20-26) the Pharisees attempted to sway Jesus with the Herodians there as well, they attempted to trick him by asking him the question “We know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man; for thour regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, what thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?” I think the purpose of asking him this question was to see what side he would stand with. If he said that all should only pay tribute to God, they would have cause to put him in jail as he would be “treasonous” towards the Romans, but if he paid tribute to Caesar he would be denying God, and therefore the Jews would have reason to turn from him.

However, Christ answers them without falling prey to either of their traps.  After having them show him and tell him whose picture was on the penny (Matthew 22:20-21) Christ then basically tells them that in his temporal world, give to Ceasar the things which are his (the coin, laws of the land, etc) but at the same time, in your heart, give all that belong to God. (Matthew 22:21).

Not only did Christ answer their question, but he made very specific instructions. That we should follow the laws of the land and remain good citizens (I’m sure while the country is being righteous in it’s dealings with men) and yet that we must give our hearts and actions towards God and keep his commandments. We are made in the image of God, and therefore we can pay tribute to God by being like him and by acting in ways that he would deem worthy. As we strive to live the commandments and love our neighbors and our God with all that we can, we will be have the opportunity to gain more understanding and remain close to him.

In this world, many people try to sway us or trick us into saying things or incriminating ourselves. I know that sometimes people have been better at talking than I have and have attempted to make me look foolish. Sometimes they have succeeded. But I know through all these experiences that if I remain faithful to my Heavenly Father and strive to remain righteous, that he will give me understanding, and that I will learn and grow from these experiences, even if I’m never able to eloquently defend myself against those who can out-talk me.