Matthew 22: 21: Jesus said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things th
at are God’s.”
There are certain days each year that are set apart and have great meaning and importance to each of us. Today is one of those days, but one that we dread and do not celebrate. It is Tax Day and one that we cannot escape or ignore. Contrast it to Christmas, Easter, birthdays and anniversaries where we celebrate and pay honor. Our verse today is the response of Jesus to the Pharisees who asked him if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. It was a premeditated trick and trap question, and Jesus’ answer left them with no response. We are to pay taxes required by the country in which we live as confirmed by Jesus. However, He also made it clear that we are to give to God that which is God’s. One is material, and one is spiritual which we know is more important. In this verse, the word “give” actually means to “give back.”

We are to be obedient to each responsibility, and we actually live in both worlds. Just as the coin used in the question posed to Jesus carried the image of Caesar on its face, our lives carry the image of God. We will pay and give our taxes to the government or face the consequences. Are there consequences for not giving God what is rightfully His? Yes, and that is what Jesus was commanding in this Scripture. Our lives must give back to God what is His and many a man ignores this responsibility and lives more for the material. We should first give God our hearts and then our lives in what He calls us to do according to his gifting and responsibilities. Give Him what is His in our personal lives, family, career, church, and community. Be honest in your taxes and be honest and obedient in what God wants you to give back to Him. Remember that He first gave to you – life itself and salvation through Jesus Christ.