¹⁵ Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how to entangle him in his talk.
¹⁶ And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Hero'di-ans, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God truthfully, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men.
¹⁷ Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"
¹⁸ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?
¹⁹ Show me the money for the tax." And they brought him a coin.
²⁰ And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?"
²¹ They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

• During that period of time, the Palestine has not been an independent state since the time of the Roman Empire headed by Caesar.
• According to Roman law, all males from age 14 to 65 and females from 12 to 65 years old to pay taxes.
• The Herodians were pro-Romans while the Pharisees were pro-Jews.
• The Jews did not accept the Romans's tax laws. These zealots resented the fact that they have to pay taxes to the Roman ruler and they used violence against the tax collectors.
• The Pharisees and the Herodians are two opposing forces. However, they joined force to trap Jesus.
• (v.25) Jesus did not reply directly but challenged with a wise comment.

In responding to the question "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?", Jesus has wisely answered in according to the social justice and God's law.

1. In my daily life, what do I do to make wise decisions in difficult situations?
2. I usually think about being just and fair in relation with others. How do I respond to His love and His graces to me?
3. What priorities do I give to God in my life?
4. God creates me in His image. How do I reflect this image to others?

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A synthesis by the Vietnamese Christian Life (Dong Hanh) Community