TAX DAY cartoons - give to caesar what is caesar’s
The Bible addresses taxes in a few key passages, primarily emphasizing obedience to governing authorities while acknowledging God’s ultimate authority. Here’s a concise overview:
Romans 13:1-7: Paul instructs Christians to submit to governing authorities, as they are established by God. Specifically, verses 6-7 say, “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” This suggests paying taxes is a duty for believers, as part of respecting civil authority.
Matthew 22:15-22: When Jesus is asked whether it’s lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, He responds, “Show me the coin used for paying the tax… Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” When they answer “Caesar’s,” Jesus says, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” This implies a distinction between civic obligations (like taxes) and devotion to God, affirming the legitimacy of paying taxes to earthly rulers.
Mark 12:13-17 and Luke 20:20-26: These parallel accounts of the same event in Matthew reinforce Jesus’ teaching on rendering to Caesar what is due, balancing civil duty with spiritual allegiance.
Matthew 17:24-27: Jesus addresses the temple tax, instructing Peter to pay it to avoid offense, miraculously providing the funds via a coin found in a fish’s mouth. This shows Jesus upholding tax obligations, though the passage also hints at His divine authority over such matters.
The Bible doesn’t delve into tax policy details but frames taxes as part of living under human governance, urging believers to fulfill these duties honestly while prioritizing their commitment to God. If you’d like specific verses or deeper analysis, let me know!