What “Render to Caesar” Really Means!

 

April 15, 2015 by Michael F. Bird 0 Comments

According to Mark 12:13-17 (CEB):

They sent some of the Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap him in his words. They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you’re genuine and you don’t worry about what people think. You don’t show favoritism but teach God’s way as it really is. Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay taxes or not?”
Since Jesus recognized their deceit, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a coin. Show it to me.” And they brought one. He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” His reply left them overcome with wonder.

This story of rendering to Caesar the things of Caesar has long been used as a proof text teaching that Christians should be good and upright citizens who pay their fair share of taxes. Sadly, however, the story has nothing to do with honesty in your IRS, IR, or ATO tax return. To be frank, it is not even about taxes for those who know some background and who can read between the lines.
Here’s the gist.


Read more: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/euangelion/2015/04/what-render-to-caesar-really-means/#ixzz3XMRlyFGo