Matthew 22:15-17

“Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” vs. 17

The Pharisees and the Herodians were likely quite pleased with themselves. Ever since Jesus had started teaching on the Temple Mount his parables had honed in on them and left them on the defensive, and they were tired of it. As they schemed together they came up with a “gotcha” question. These are the seemingly innocuous questions that are asked of witnesses, either at a trial or at a congressional hearing, that are designed to trick a person into giving a self-incriminating answer. When well designed they can be extremely effective, the turning point in a courtroom drama.

For Jesus they chose a question related to taxes, a topic that has stirred passions for millenia. They were wanting a “yes” or a “no” answer, with a “yes” infuriating the people, and a “no” being offensive to the emperor. Their question had political ramifications and they wanted Jesus to declare himself. Whose side was he on?

We know a lot about these kinds of situations in the current political situation. The country is polarized and some people like nothing better than to suck us into “gotcha” situations. They want us to declare ourselves, and if we do, they’re ready to attack. But it’s all a trap and a kind of power struggle and if we get sucked in, there’s no good way to get out.

It’s important to have political convictions, but seldom are they worth more than a good friend.

Thought for the Day: How do I deal with political issues?