Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s,
and to God what is God’s.
—Matthew 22:21
Do you know anyone who likes to pay taxes? Neither do I.
The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus on taxes: “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
If Jesus said “No,” he was in trouble with Rome. If he said “Yes,” he was in trouble with the Jews, who hated Rome.
He asked for a coin designated specifically for tax payment. “Whose image is this?” he asked, holding up the coin. “Caesar’s,” they said. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” he said.
Obligations exist, both to government and to God.
A coin stamped with Caesar’s image belonged to Caesar and should be given back to Caesar. A human stamped with God’s image (Gn 1:27) belongs to God and should be given back to God.
Cheat neither government nor God.