The Trap Set for Jesus

In our Gospel, this interaction is meant to be a no win situation for Jesus. Any answer, they think, should be enough to condemn Jesus to death. First. Let’s look at this trap. And then, we’ll discuss the hostility toward Jesus. Because, the reason for it, is the same reason why a lot of people are starting to hate Christians in the modern era. So, our second point will be, how do we live in the midst of modern day people who are on the attack against us.

First. It’s a trap! The Pharisees take this opportunity to go after Jesus with a subtle question. At this point in history, the Romans conquered Israel and to add insult to injury, the Empire demands taxes from the conquered Jews. Therefore, if the Pharisees get Jesus to answer this question they think they can finally get rid of Him.

If Jesus says, Yes always pay taxes. Then the Jews lose respect that this Jesus is going to be their hope and their savior. The crowds will forget Jesus, because it looks like He’s just as powerless against the Romans. BUT if Jesus simply answers No. Then the Pharisees get to tattle on Him and He’ll be executed by Rome for being a revolutionary or a rebel.

But Jesus does His Godly thing and answers so perfectly that He not only gets Himself out of this no-win situation, but also gives a lesson we can use today. Christ says, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." In this manner, He remains out of the political milieu and teaches people His real purpose. He’s meant to heal, preach, and ultimately remove barriers between you and God.

Jesus passes the impossible test and His teaching applies to us. But it leaves this question for you and me: What does it mean to repay to Casesar what is his and to God what belongs to God? This is the best time to look at what we should do as a Christian in society. Because as the world gets more hostile toward us, following Jesus has to be a choice. Let’s break it down as our second point: Why is there growing animosity toward Christians, and then, how do we respond?

Just like the Pharisees going after Jesus, a lot of people wish that we Christians would just quiet down and follow their man-made plans about how we should live. But for true Christians, those who know the real way of Christ, with 2,000 years of philosophy and theology ... it’s incomprehensible to leave. Jesus taught and gave us the complete and total way of life. It unifies body and soul and protects us from being controlled by other humans. Hence the reason why lots of people hate Christians … those who know and live Christianity can’t be controlled.

So, the world is angry with Christians because (just like we saw with the Pharisees and Jesus), His followers aren’t easily manipulated. Real Christians won’t make political entities their savior when you have Jesus as yours. Hence, if I can’t control Christians. I want them silenced. I want them shunned.

So, how do we follow Jesus and render unto Caesar at the same time? And here is where Jesus is a perfect teacher. Giving to Caesar means THIS. You are a wife, a husband, a student, a retiree. You’re in high school. You’re in your 40’s. You’re in your 70’s. WHATEVER you are means you HAVE responsibilities. Going to work. Chores around the house. Taxes to help pay for the roads we use. We live with other people and repaying unto Caesar means you function as a good citizen for the good of your town and community.

But rendering to God what belongs to God involves something else. It means you remember at least once a day who created you and why. We’re made body AND soul. Our purpose is to live a life where at the end of it … the summary of our life story is: I want to be with God. I chose Him. I lived like it. I want God. Rendering unto God is just simply living for heaven and giving God His proper place in our lives. This means that you and I study who God is and what Jesus taught. We are temporary citizens on Earth, because we're pilgrims on our way to heaven (our real home).

The modern day Pharisees, whoever they are, are trying to take the place in your heart where God should be. People/leaders/those who thirst for power, want you to take the trust you should have in God and place it on them. So, this is your weekly reminder. Earth is not our final goal. Disease. Natural Disasters. Human conflict. Death. These are hardships that we can’t escape on Earth. That’s why you’ll only have peace when you and I accept this fact: no leader on Earth is my savior, only Jesus. Yes, that means that life down here won’t be perfect, but that’s a great type of prayer to work out with God. Lord, I know life won’t be perfect down here, but help me understand this fact and look forward to heaven where it will be perfect. In short, political leaders were angry at Christ for taking away their power and influence. So, of course it is going to happen to us again in one way or another.

Today we saw Jesus not only handle a dangerous question, but we also saw Him teach us 2,000 years later. Give to Caesar what belongs to him. Meaning, we all have responsibilities. Yes, take care of them! But then … Give to God what is God’s. Not because it’s the law or the rules … because it’s what we’re meant for … it’s what makes us come alive and we find our purpose. But it also means, protect yourself. Don’t let any leader or person take that spot. The rest of this mass, pray about the responsibilities you have to render unto Caesar, but maybe ask God, how do I keep You Lord at my center? Who is trying to remove Christ and do I let them? Let God have the prime place in your heart and He will help you become who you are truly meant to be.