Jesus tells us, when baited by others who were overtaxed in their day, too, that paying taxes is not really the focus. Money, to Jesus, is never the focus. The religious leaders took a great issue of the day (being WAY overtaxed in a corrupt system) to bait Jesus into becoming a rebel so that they might catch him in the act of “sinning” against the government. Nothing else had worked so they tried this tactic.

Mark 12, The Message
Paying Taxes to Caesar
13-14 They sent some Pharisees and followers of Herod to bait him, hoping to catch him saying something incriminating. They came up and said, “Teacher, we know you have integrity, that you are indifferent to public opinion, don’t pander to your students, and teach the way of God accurately. Tell us: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

15-16 He knew it was a trick question, and said, “Why are you playing these games with me? Bring me a coin and let me look at it.” They handed him one.

“This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?”

“Caesar,” they said.

17 Jesus said, “Give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.”

Their mouths hung open, speechless.

Money is never the real issue. Pay what you owe. Obey the government. Obey God AND give God what is his. Give God our very lives and He will provide. Remember when Peter asked how they were going to pay their taxes and Jesus sent him fishing, which is what Peter’s secular job was before following Jesus? Peter obeyed and caught the right fish that miraculously had the coins needed in their mouths. “Now, go pay the tax,” said Jesus. Let’s get this paying taxes thing off our minds and move on the what is really important…is what I hear Jesus saying, too!

Wow. So, give “Caesar” what is owed and give God what He wants most from us…our love, devotion, praise, worship, gratitude, and obedience before sacrifice. What does the Lord require of us? “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8, NIV Money is not the issue. Man created money. Money does not save us. It is not to be worshiped.

Dear Heavenly Father, There are so many thoughts in this short passage that has me thinking, repenting and refocusing on what is really the most important to You. Thank you for Your Word. Your mercies are new each morning as we come to be with You through Your words of teaching. Help us to stay focused all day long and into the night. Lord, I give you my life.
In Jesus Name, Amen