Happy Tax Day

Do you pay taxes? Do you know what the Bible says about taxes? Jesus actually talked about taxes. We join Pastor Tim Hartwig today to focus on the words from Jesus concerning taxes and what our attitude toward them should be.

Matthew 22:21

Ready or not tax day is here. Have you filed yet? I don’t know anyone that likes paying taxes.

It was that very thought that Jesus’ enemies tried to use against him. They came to him and asked if it was right and lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. The Jews of the day hated the Roman government. The Roman government was, in their mind, an oppressive force. It was their enemy. So the enemies of Jesus thought if he says it’s good to pay taxes, then the people all hate him because they hate the Roman government. And if Jesus said don’t pay taxes, then the Roman government would be after him.

So what did Jesus answer? He answered

“Therefore give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)

The government is instituted by Jesus. He has given it to us for our good and therefore he commands us to pay our taxes to support the government. But Jesus also used that opportunity to point out our responsibility to God. We are to give to God what is his. True worship and praise, support and the proclamation of his word.

All these things we owe to God. Why? Because He loves us. He sent Jesus, not just to teach us what is right, but to forgive our sins through his life, death, and resurrection. We are forgiven. We are made citizens of heaven. May God bless you as you live out your days under his government, giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. Amen.

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Timothy Hartwig
Timothy Hartwig

Tim Hartwig is currently serving as President of the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary.

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