They came and said to Jesus, “Master, we know that you are truthful; you are not influenced
by anyone, and your answers do not vary according to who is listening to you, but you truly
teach God’s way. Tell us, is it against the law to pay taxes to Caesar? Should we pay them
or not?” But Jesus saw through their trick and answered, “Why are you testing me? Bring me
a silver coin and let me see it.” They brought him one and Jesus asked, “Whose image is this,
and whose name?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then Jesus said, “Give back to Caesar what
is Caesar’s, and to God, what is God’s.” And they were greatly astonished.
Reflect
I n general, I think that asking questions is a good thing. When I was a child minder and later
as a teacher, I always encouraged those in my charge to ask questions. If I didn’t know an
answer, we could look it up and learn together. (The advent of the internet has made looking
things up much easier since the knowledge of centuries is at our fingertips.)
But the question that the religious leaders asked Jesus was not an honest question. They
weren’t trying to learn or understand. Instead, they wanted to use Jesus’ words against him
to create a charge of sedition against the Romans. That tactic has not fallen from use
unfortunately. Too often in law and politics – and even in our relationships – we ask questions
intended to catch people in inconsistencies or to use their words against them rather than to
learn or understand. As we talk with others, let us make sure that our questions stem from
honest curiosity so that we may grow in knowledge and understanding.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023