The Pharisees and the Herodians have come together with a common goal – to discredit Jesus. They had begun by showering Jesus with compliments that might have raised him into the spotlight. Now, they were ready to topple Jesus from that position of high regard. In a carefully constructed question, they addressed what was, for most people, the hot topic of the day – poll
taxes.
Palestine was an occupied country subject to Roman Rule. Under that rule, all adult citizens were required to pay one day’s wages of a denarius, a coin which carried the stamp of the emperor’s head, signifying his kingship. The issue was not just that no one enjoys paying taxes. It was what surrounded this particular tax that raised arguments.
The Pharisees were ardent
Nationalists who did not readily accept Roman Rule. But there was more to this issue. The temple has been the centre of the Jewish faith. All Jewish adults were expected to pay a temple tax for its upkeep, which they gladly did. But the temple has since been destroyed, and the Romans now felt that tax should come to them to maintain their temple in Rome for Jupiter Capitolinus. For a Jew to pay towards a temple for a Roman god was unacceptable.
The Herodians needed Roman rule to be able to sustain Herod’s power; therefore, they strongly supported the collection of this tax to keep Rome happy.
The question posed to Jesus was loaded: “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” If Jesus answered “yes”, he faced expulsion from the Jewish community, effectively silencing him, and the Pharisees would have triumphed. If Jesus answered “no”, he would have
been arrested and possibly executed for treason, again silencing him and handing triumph to the Herodians.
Our faith and our daily issues should never be seen as separate. God is as interested in our politics, economics, social or family matters as in our prayer, praise and worship. When facing the challenging questions of daily life, Jesus invites us to turn to him for direction and clarity, which come through the Spirit in many ways if we
are open to receiving it.
What are the hot topics facing your community at present?
Are all people in your community allowed to express an opinion freely?
Are you prepared to listen to opposing views openly and respectfully?
Do you have a voice regarding the deep matters of community
and faith? If yes, do you make use of this freedom?
What might be the grace you want to request from God for yourself and your community?
Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
