Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

Taxes have always been a source of frustration. Both the wealthy and the poor grumble about them. They are an inevitable burden, yet necessary for sustaining public services. This dissatisfaction is not new. We even see it in the Bible.

During Jesus’ time, taxes were deeply resented by the Jewish people. Living under Roman rule, they paid taxes to an oppressive empire. Jewish tax collectors, seen as collaborators, exploited their own people for gain. This sets the stage for a key encounter recorded in Luke 20:20–26. Spies tried to trap Jesus with a question: “Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” (Luke 20:22, ESV).

If Jesus denied paying taxes, He risked charges of insurrection. If He affirmed it, He risked alienating His own people. But Jesus responds with wisdom. His answer transcends the issue of taxes, pointing to a deeper truth.

The coin bore Caesar’s image and inscription, signifying it belonged to Caesar. In contrast, humanity bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27), highlighting that our ultimate allegiance is to Him. Jesus differentiates earthly kingdoms from the Kingdom of God, urging us to focus on what truly matters.

This passage challenges us to reflect on our priorities. We should fulfil our civic responsibilities, like paying taxes, but our ultimate purpose and responsibility is towards God. He calls us to honour Him with all that we are and have.

As we navigate frustrations with earthly concerns like taxes, let us remember Jesus’ wisdom. We are called to integrity, rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but dedicating ourselves wholly to God, who is our true treasure.

Today, ponder this: Where does your treasure lie? Consider where your money, effort and time go. Does it reflect a treasure that lies in Jesus?