Later, the Jewish leaders sent some Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to trap him in saying something wrong. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are an honest man. You are not afraid of what other people think about you, because you pay no attention to who they are. And you teach the truth about God’s way. Tell us: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or not?”
But knowing what these men were really trying to do, Jesus said to them, “Why are you trying to trap me? Bring me a coin to look at.” They gave Jesus a coin, and he asked, “Whose image and name are on the coin?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and give to God the things that are God’s.” The men were amazed at what Jesus said. (Mark 12:13-17 NCV)
Money is not the root of all evil, but the love of it is (1 Tim 6:10). This was a trap set to condemn Jesus. It revealed the hearts of these leaders, but it also can reveal our heart about money, taxes and following Jesus.
Do you pay your taxes? Do you honor God with the first fruits of your income? Both honor the Lord Jesus. ©Word-Strong_2014