The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" Knowing their malice, Jesus said,"Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's."At that he said to them,"Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
REFLECTION
Who are the Pharisees? Who are the Herodians?
The Pharisees were a group dedicated to studying and practicing the Law of Moses, often serving as teachers in synagogues. Jesus frequently highlighted their shortcomings in his parables. The Herodians, on the other hand, were followers of King Herod. Though Jewish, they remained loyal to the Roman Empire.
Both groups were troubled by Jesus' parables, miracles, teachings, and his growing popularity with the people. They sought to trap Jesus with a statement that would anger one of the groups. They asked, "Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"
Have you ever faced a similar dilemma, where your response could either align you with worldly thinking or your devotion to God?
Jesus' response was ingenious! He said, "Show me the coin that pays the census tax." They handed him the Roman coin. He asked, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" In their eagerness to trap Jesus, they presented the Roman coin in the Temple area. They replied, "Caesar's.""Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."
What did the inscription on the coin state? It was inscribed in Latin, "TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AUGUSTI FILIUS AUGUSTUS," translating to "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus." Is Caesar claiming to be a god? Could this be considered blasphemy?
Jesus is the Christ and they don't recognize Him. Let us learn from the gospel to ask the Holy Spirit to help us live the gospel message and to remember we belong to God!
Comments