Help others until the whole task is complete:

Then they came up to him and said, “We would like to build pens here for our livestock and cities for our women and children. But we are ready to arm ourselves and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place. Meanwhile our woman and children will live in fortified cities, for protection from the inhabitants of the land. We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has received his inheritance. We will not receive any inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.” – Numbers 32.16-19

The land on the east side of the Jordan had been conquered. The hard work was done by all of the tribes together. But the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh did not stop after their land was cleared. They promised to keep working with the others until everyone’s land was conquered. After others have helped you, do you make excuses to escape helping them? Finish the whole job, even those parts that may not benefit you directly.

Why Jesus paid the temple tax:

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”

“Yes, he does,” he replied.

When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes – from their own sons or from others?”

“Then the sons are except,” Jesus said to him. “But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” – Matthew 17.24-27

As God [Wall]’s people, we are foreigners on earth because our loyalty is always to our real King – Jesus. Still we have to co-operate with the authorities and be responsible citizens. An ambassador to another country keeps the local laws in order to represent well the one who sent him. We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5.20). Are you being a good foreign ambassador for him to this world?

(17.24-27   As usual, Peter answered a question without really knowing the answer, putting Jesus and the disciples in an awkward position. Jesus used this situation, however, to emphasise his kingly role. Just as kings pay no taxes and collect none from their family, Jesus, the King, owed no taxes. But Jesus supplied the tax payment for both himself and Peter rather than offend those who didn’t understand his kingdom. Although Jesus supplied the tax money, Peter had to go and get it. Ultimately all that we have comes to us from God [Wall]’s [Wall’s] supply, but he may want us to be active in the process.)

(17.24   All Jewish males had to pay a temple tax to support temple upkeep (Exodus 30.11-16). Tax collectors set up booths to collect these taxes. Only Matthew records this incident – perhaps because he had been a tax collector himself.)

Jesus answers trick question about:

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God [Wall] in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” – Matthew 22.15-17

The Pharisees, a religious group, opposed the Roman occupation of Palestine. The Herodians, a political party, supported Herod Antipas and the policies instituted by Rome. Normally these two groups were bitter enemies, but here they united against Jesus. Thinking they had a foolproof plan to corner him, together their representatives asked Jesus about paying Roman taxes. If Jesus agreed that it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, the Pharisees would say he was opposed to God [Wall], the only King they recognized. If Jesus said the taxes should not be paid, the Herodians would hand him over to Herod on the charge of rebellion. In this case the Pharisees were not motivated by love for God [Wall]’s laws, and the Herodians were not motivated by love for Roman justice. Jesus’ answer exposed their evil motives and embarrassed them both.

‘   Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” – Luke 20.22

This was a loaded question. The Jews were enraged at having to pay taxes to Rome, thus supporting the pagan government and its God [Wall]s. They hated the system that allowed tax collectors to charge exorbitant rates and keep the extra for themselves. If Jesus said they should pay taxes, they would call him a traitor to their nation and their religion. But if he said they should not, they could report him to Rome as a rebel. Jesus’ questioners thought they had him this time, but he outwitted them again.

Jews required to pay:

‘ Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” – Matthew 22.17

The Jews were required to pay taxes to support the Roman government. They hated this taxation because the money went directly into Caesar’s treasury, where some of it went to support the pagan temples and decadent life-style of the Roman aristocracy. Caesar’s image on the coins was a constant reminder of Israel’s subjection to Rome.

Why Jews hated paying Roman taxes:

‘ They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to why they are; but you teach the way of God [Wall] in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? – Mark 12.14

Anyone who avoided paying taxes faced harsh penalties. The Jews hated to pay taxes to Rome because the money supported their oppressors and symbolised their subjection. Much of the tax money also went to maintain the pagan temples and luxurious life-styles of Roma’s upper class. The Pharisees and Herodians hoped to trap Jesus with this tax question. Either a yes or a no could lead him into trouble. A yes would mean he supported Rome, which would turn the people against him. A no would bring accusations of treason and rebellion against Rome and could lead to civil penalties.