Welcome to another day the Lord has made that we should rejoice and be glad in. (Psalms 118:24)

Today we’ll look at how paying taxes is a stewardship expectation

In today’s scripture, Luke 20:21‭-‬25 (NLT), we read Jesus’ stewardship expectation about paying taxes…
“Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully… Now tell us—is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”… He saw through their trickery and said,… “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied… “Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

Consider…
There are so many taxes we are responsible for paying…

• Income taxes
• Property taxes
• Sales taxes
• Estate/death taxes, imposed at death
• Duty taxes, for international goods
• Entertainment taxes for events and hotels
• etc

It’s ironic the myriad of taxes that are imposed in the United States, considering part of the reason the country was formed was due to the excessive taxes levied by the British government. Also, the people taxed had no say in the purpose or use of the taxes imposed. That’s why on December 16, 1773, the famous Boston Tea party took place, with the protesters declaring “no taxation without representation.”

In today’s scripture, the Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus into saying something that would get in trouble with the Roman government. They asked Him if it was right for religious people to pay taxes. Basically they were leaning into Jesus’ Kingdom references and assumed He would declare His citizens not subject to Roman authority.

However, what they didn’t expect was Jesus’ response being a lesson on stewardship. He told the Pharisees, since you’re using Rome’s money, you should pay their taxes.

I have heard some professing Christians try to justify not paying taxes as a form of protest for the immoral laws and policies of the government. But, there is no Biblical justification or example that supports that position. In fact 1 Peter 2:13‭-‬17 (ERV) admonishes believers to…
Be willing to serve the people who have authority in this world. Do this for the Lord. Obey the king, the highest authority… And obey the leaders who are sent by the king. They are sent to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do good… When you do good, you stop ignorant people from saying foolish things about you. This is what God wants… Live like free people, but don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as those who are serving God… Show respect for all people. Love your brothers and sisters in God’s family. Respect God, and honor the king.

Christians should be model citizens, which includes paying their taxes.

It should also be noted that ambassadors are appointed by their country’s leader and expected to obey the laws of the country they have been sent too, as well as those of the country they’re representing. As Kingdom ambassador-citizens, appointed by King Jesus, the same is true for us.

So if you’re ever conflicted in obeying and honoring a government that doesn’t align with your beliefs, remember that you’re an appointed ambassador citizen expected to respect God, and honor the king. Honoring the king includes giving him what he requires, like taxes.

Like our parents used to tell us, Jesus is saying don’t embarrass Me in the world. Follow the rules and respect the authorities. Remember, you should be a reflection of Me in everything that you do. Which begs the question, can the world see Jesus in you?

Today’s song is…
Can The World See Jesus
https://youtu.be/Xc630-cIEi4?si=YUUdXERIjOG7ILFU

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)