Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 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. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” 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.” When they heard this, they were amazed, and they left him and went away. (Matthew 22:15-22, NRSVue)
Who is my neighbor?
Is it right to pay taxes?
Can we eat meat sacrificed to idols?
Insert question to make myself feel better here…
What do we ask to make us be in the right?
Who is my neighbor is really asks, “Who can I not do this for?”
If Jesus says we should pay taxes, then obviously he is not from God because you can not serve Caesar and God. These questions are designed to make a way to get out of doing something.
Do not look for the loopholes.
Love. Love all.
