Then the Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap him in speech. 16 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. 17 Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?” 18 Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin. 20 He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” 21 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.” 22 When they heard this they were amazed, and leaving him they went away.
The controversies between Jesus and the religious authorities of Judaism (Mt. 21:23-22:46), where Jesus critiques the religious leaders and their failure to recognize and accept God's message, continue with a confrontation with the Pharisees and Herodians. This occurs shortly after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and cleansing of the Temple. The Pharisees, known for their strict observance of the Law, felt threatened by Jesus' growing influence and his challenges to their authority, so they plotted to entrap him. The Herodians, supporters of Herod Antipas a Roman agent in Galilee, had political interests aligned with Roman rule. The Pharisees and Herodians, who were typically opposed to each other, joined forces against Jesus, aiming to force him into a politically or theologically compromising position.
The Pharisees and Herodians attempted to flatter Jesus to disarm him and set the trap. They asked if under the law of God the census tax should be paid to Caesar. The Herodians would favor paying the tax but the Pharisees would not. If Jesus endorsed paying the tax, he could be alienated from the Jewish people, who resented Roman occupation and taxation. Conversely, if he declared it unlawful, the Herodians could accuse him of being a rebel or political agitator, a charge punishable by death, leading to his arrest by the Roman authorities. Jesus, aware of their malice and hypocrisy, understood their intent to test him.
Jesus asked them for a coin which they readily handed over. This act implied that they used the coin, acknowledging the financial advantages and convenience of using the Roman currency. The coin, a denarius, bore the image of Caesar, symbolizing the emperor's authority and divinity. It was widely accepted by the Jews for commercial transactions, underscoring their practical acceptance of Roman economic benefits even while they politically and religiously resented Roman rule. Jesus pointed out this irony and their hypocrisy as they benefited from the very system they sought to trap him into criticizing. Jesus astonished the Pharisees and Herodians by acknowledging the temporal authority of Caesar, suggesting that paying the tax does not compromise one's duty to God. Political and temporal obligations do not override one's ultimate allegiance to God.
Almighty ever-living God, grant us the wisdom to discern truth amidst deceit and help us to navigate the complexities of our world with integrity and faithfulness to the Gospel so that we may render unto You all that is Yours. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen!
__________________________________
Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
Comments