December 9th, 2023
Scripture
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” 21 They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard this, they were amazed, and they left him and went away.
--Matthew 22:15-22
Reflection
In this passage from Matthew, we see the Pharisees and the Herodians trying to entrap Jesus. They ask him about paying taxes to Rome. If Jesus opposes the taxes, he will certainly find himself in conflict with the local Roman officials. As is usually the case, Jesus’ response is surprising and baffling to his opponents.
At this point in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is teaching in the temple. According to Jewish law, engraved images were frowned upon, especially in the temple. Jesus’ simple request to see the coin used to pay the tax, immediately highlights the hypocrisy of his opponents. These leaders are carrying coins, engraved with Caeser’s image on one side and his title “Tiberius Caesar, August Son of the Divine Augustus”, on the other side, inside the temple. Jesus could have won and ended the argument right here. However, he does not stop there. Simply beating his opponents is not Jesus’ mission.
Jesus has bigger plans. Throughout the gospels, Jesus’ ministry/mission is restoring people and creation to proper relationship with God and each other. In this passage from Matthew, Jesus uses this encounter with the Pharisees and Herodians to further his mission. The answer to Jesus’ question regarding the coin, “whose head is this and whose title,” implies ownership. These coins have Caesar’s image and title thus they must belong to Caesar. Therefore, according to Jesus, give the things that are Caesar’s to Caesar.
In the second part of Jesus’ reply, he furthers his mission of restoring people to God and each other: “Give . . . to God the things that are God’s.” What “coins” in your life have God’s image and title engraved upon them? What does that image look like? What title(s) have been given? Who or what belongs to God? During this Advent, how might you see and understand God’s images and titles in your life in a manner that helps you make change for Christmas?
The Rev. Canon Ashley Freeman
Canon to the Ordinary
Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast