MARK 12:13-17
PAYING TAXES TO THE EMPEROR
Text–Mark 12:13–17
13 They sent some Pharisees and Herodians to him to ensnare him in his speech.
14 They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?”
15 Knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at.”
16 They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They replied to him, “Caesar’s.”
17 So Jesus said to them, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” They were utterly amazed at him.
Introduction
This confrontation between Jesus, the Pharisees, and the Herodians presents a calculated attempt to trap Him in a political dilemma. The question about paying taxes to Caesar was designed to discredit Him either before the Jewish people—who resented Roman rule—or before the Roman authorities. Jesus’ answer, however, transcends politics, revealing divine wisdom. His reply, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God,” affirms both civic responsibility and divine sovereignty, teaching that faith and public life need not conflict when both are rightly ordered.
Historical and Jewish Context
The “census tax” (Latin tributum capitis) was a poll tax levied by the Romans on all adult males. It symbolized subjection to imperial rule and was deeply resented by Jews who believed that only God was their true King. The Herodians, supporters of the Herodian dynasty allied with Rome, favored paying the tax, while the Pharisees, though not revolutionaries, opposed it as an affront to God’s sovereignty. The coin Jesus requests—a denarius—bore the image of Emperor Tiberius and the inscription, “Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus.” To pious Jews, this inscription bordered on blasphemy. By pointing to the coin and asking whose image it bore, Jesus exposes their hypocrisy: they use Caesar’s coinage and benefit from Roman order, yet pretend to reject his authority. His teaching restores balance—earthly governments have legitimate authority, but ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus’ answer lays the foundation for the Catholic understanding of the relationship between Church and State. While Christians must fulfill civil obligations such as paying taxes and obeying just laws (Romans 13:1–7), they owe supreme loyalty to God in matters of conscience and faith. The Catechism teaches that the State’s authority comes from God and must serve the common good (CCC 1897–1904). Yet when human laws contradict divine law, “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Jesus’ reference to “the image” on the coin subtly reminds humanity of Genesis 1:27—man is created in the image of God. Thus, while coins belong to Caesar, human beings belong entirely to God. True discipleship means rendering to God not a portion, but our entire being, in worship and obedience.
Parallels in Scripture
Matthew 17:24–27 – Jesus instructs Peter to pay the temple tax.
Luke 20:20–26 – Parallel account of the same event.
Romans 13:1–7 – St. Paul on the Christian’s duty to civil authority.
1 Peter 2:13–17 – “Honor the emperor; fear God.”
Genesis 1:27 – Humanity created in God’s image and likeness.
Key Terms
Denarius – Roman coin used for daily wages and taxes.
Caesar – Symbol of earthly government and authority.
Image (eikon) – Sign of ownership; humans bear God’s image and belong to Him.
Render – To give what is due, according to divine and moral order.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during Ordinary Time to remind believers of their dual citizenship—on earth and in heaven. It underscores the call to live responsibly within society while maintaining the primacy of God’s law. The Eucharist, which unites heaven and earth, is the ultimate act of “rendering to God what belongs to God.” Through it, Christians renew their total belonging to the Lord while sanctifying their engagement in the world.
Conclusion
Jesus’ reply exposes hypocrisy and elevates the conversation from politics to theology. His teaching establishes a timeless principle: fulfill your duties to society, but remember that all authority and all life belong to God. Caesar may claim his coin, but God claims the human heart.
Reflection
Do I live as one who bears the image of God in all my actions and decisions? While I may owe duty to earthly institutions, my ultimate loyalty must be to the Creator whose image I bear. The call to “render to God what is God’s” is a call to total consecration of my life to Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You teach me to live faithfully both as a citizen of this world and a child of Your Kingdom. Help me to serve society with justice and integrity, while keeping You first in all things. May I always give You what is truly Yours—my heart, my soul, and my life. Amen.