LUKE 20:19–26
PAYING TAXES TO CAESAR
Text – Luke 20:19–26
19 The scribes and chief priests sought to lay their hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people; for they knew he had addressed this parable to them.
20 They watched him closely and sent spies who pretended to be righteous in order to trap him in speech, so that they might hand him over to the authority and power of the governor.
21 They asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.
22 Is it lawful for us to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?”
23 But he recognized their craftiness and said to them,
24 “Show me a denarius; whose image and inscription does it bear?” They replied, “Caesar’s.”
25 So he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
26 They were unable to trap him in his words in the presence of the people, and amazed at his answer, they fell silent.
Historical and Jewish Context
The census tax was a per-person tax imposed by Rome, deeply resented by many Jews as a symbol of foreign domination. The question posed to Jesus was a political trap: if He opposed the tax, He could be accused of rebellion against Rome; if He supported it, He could be labeled a traitor to Israel. The spies approached Him with false flattery to mask their intent. The denarius bore the image of Caesar Tiberius and an inscription attributing divinity to him—problematic for Jewish monotheism. Jesus’ response avoids the trap while teaching a deeper truth about the distinction between civil obligations and total allegiance to God.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic teaching, Jesus affirms that legitimate civil authority has a rightful place in God’s design, provided it does not contradict divine law. “Render to Caesar” acknowledges the Christian’s responsibility toward civic order, justice, and the common good. “Render to God” expresses the higher truth: human beings bear God’s image, and thus all of life belongs to Him. The coin belongs to Caesar because it bears Caesar’s image; the person belongs to God because he or she bears God’s image. Catholic theology uses this passage to affirm the harmony—not contradiction—between faith and responsible citizenship, while always placing God’s sovereignty first.
Parallels in Scripture
Prv 8:15 – Kings rule by God’s permission.
Dan 2:21 – God sets up and removes rulers.
Rom 13:1–7 – Respect for civil authorities as ministers of order.
Acts 5:29 – God’s authority is supreme when human commands contradict His law.
1 Tim 2:1–2 – Prayer for civil leaders.
Key Terms
Census tax – A Roman poll tax symbolizing imperial rule.
Image and inscription – Symbolic of ownership and identity.
Render – To give back what is rightfully owed.
What belongs to God – Everything marked by God’s image: the whole human person.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed in weekday liturgies and is foundational in Catholic social teaching concerning the relationship between Church and state. It teaches the faithful to be conscientious citizens while maintaining ultimate fidelity to God. The passage is frequently used to discuss moral responsibility, public life, and the dignity of the human person.
Conclusion
Jesus transforms a hostile political trap into a profound teaching. Civil responsibilities have their place, but the human heart and life belong entirely to God. Those who tried to ensnare Him were silenced by His wisdom, revealing that divine truth surpasses all human manipulation.
Reflection
Do I give to God what is truly His—my heart, time, obedience, and love?
Do I fulfill my civic duties with integrity while keeping Christ first in my life?
Jesus calls me to live responsibly in the world while belonging totally to God.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, grant me wisdom to live faithfully both as a citizen of this world and a child of Your Kingdom. Help me honor just authority while giving You my whole heart. May my life reflect Your image and serve Your glory. Amen.