They watched him closely and sent agents pretending to be righteous who were to trap him in speech, in order to hand him over to the authority and power of the governor. 21 They posed this question to him, “Teacher, we know that what you say and teach is correct, and you show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay tribute to Caesar or not?” 23 Recognizing their craftiness he said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius; whose image and name does it bear?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” 25 So he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” 26 They were unable to trap him by something he might say before the people, and so amazed were they at his reply that they fell silent.
The Pharisees and Herodians (cf. Matthew 22:16) attempt to trap Jesus with a politically charged question about paying taxes to Caesar. They watched Jesus closely (cf. Lk. 6:7; 14:1) looking for a way to kill him but found it difficult because the people believed in him (Lk. 19:47-48). They conspire to discredit him in front of either the Jewish people or the Roman authorities. The collaboration of the Pharisees and Herodians is unusual, as they represented opposing interests—the Pharisees were religious nationalists opposed to Roman rule, while the Herodians supported it—demonstrating the extent of their hostility toward Jesus. If Jesus denounces Roman taxation, he could be arrested for sedition, a serious crime punishable by death (cf. Luke 23:2). If he supports it, he risks alienating his Jewish followers who detest Roman rule (cf. Psalm 37:32). They flattered Jesus in an attempt to hide their true intentions. Ironically, their statement contained truth: Jesus does teach without partiality (Acts 10:34-35), and His way is indeed the way of God (John 14:6).
The tribute to Caesar refers to the Roman poll tax, a monetary tax levied on all individuals living under Roman rule. It was not based on income or property but was a flat fee paid simply for existing under Roman authority. It was a direct acknowledgment of Roman sovereignty over their land and lives and many Jews found it deeply offensive as it constantly reminded them that they were not a free people. The coin used to pay the poll tax was the denarius which bore the image of the Roman emperor.
Jesus recognizes their cunning and malice and rather than answering their question directly, he asks for a denarius. The denarius bore the image of Tiberius Caesar and the inscription "Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus." By producing the coin and acknowledging Caesar's image and inscription, they reveal their participation in the Roman system they claim to resent. Based on the commandment to avoid graven images (Exodus 20:4), the possession of such a coin by Jews was controversial. The inscription on the coin also claimed Caesar’s divinity, which devout Jews found blasphemous, further emphasizing their hypocrisy in using such currency.
Jesus avoids the trap his opponents set by affirming the civic governance of earthly authorities in temporal matters and the ultimate divine authority of God in eternal matters. Roman subjects should obey Caesar’s authority over the Roman Empire. However, Jesus’ response subtly limits Caesar’s authority, confining it to the temporal realm. His statement, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar,” acknowledges Caesar’s legitimate role but denies him ultimate allegiance. Humans, on the other hand, bear the image of God (Gen. 1:27) and ultimately belong to God ((Deut. 6:5) so their devotion to God surpasses allegiance to earthly rulers. Faith, obedience, love, worship, and moral living are all included in “Repaying to God what belongs to God.” Jesus’ response also sets a precedent for navigating conflicts between civil obligations and divine commands, as seen in Acts 5:29, where the apostles declare, “We must obey God rather than men.” Jesus avoids the implication that loyalty to Caesar conflicts with loyalty to God. His wisdom leaves his adversaries speechless.
Almighty God, You have made us in Your image and called us to give our hearts wholly to You. Grant us the wisdom to honor our earthly responsibilities without compromising our ultimate allegiance to You. May we always discern Your will in our lives and render to You what belongs to You—our faith, love, and obedience. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Sources
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- 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.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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