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Paying Tribute to Caesar Chat Notes

Sabbath Evening Chat
November 17, 2006

On Friday evening November 17 Blow the Trumpet hosted a special Sabbath discussion entitled "Tempting Jesus." In this particular discussion we addresses an event in which the Pharisees and the Herodians presented the Messiah with a question that appeared to have no plausible answer. Their intent was clear but Jesus' answer was masterful. Below are some of the highlights of this Sabbath Chat.

At what point in His ministry was Jesus confronted by the Pharisees and the Herodians?

This confrontation with Jesus' antagonists takes place just a few days before His arrest, trial and crucifixion. By this time the religious leaders in Jerusalem had already conspired to have Him put to death (Jn. 11:47-53). So strong was the Messiah's impact on the masses that when entered Jerusalem as the Passover approached throngs of Jews lined the streets and cried out for Him to deliver them and restore God's Kingdom (Mt. 21:1-11, Lk. 19:29-44). This infuriated the Pharisees who saw Jesus' popularity as a genuine threat to their position as leaders in the Jewish world.

What was the plan of the Pharisees and Herodians when they asked Jesus if it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?

The plan of the Pharisees was to entrap Jesus into saying something that could be construed as disloyal to the Roman government because they assumed He would affirm that tribute should only be paid to God. The real hypocrisy in this action was that the Pharisees themselves were notoriously discontent with taxation. Normally enemies, the Pharisees and the Herodians joined forces in a bold attempt to put Jesus between a rock and a hard place.

Who were the Herodians?

Some authorities believe they were Herod’s servants, officers or members of a political party. Luke refers to them as spies (Lk 20:20). One thing is certain, Herodians openly supported the reigning family of Herod and its pro-Roman sympathies. Therefore, they were willing collaborators with the Jewish leadership in this matter.

When Jesus was asked if it was lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, why did He first respond, “Why tempt you Me, you hypocrites?”

Because He knew that the intent of their question was to “ensnare Him,” and He perceived their wickedness.” (Mt 22:18; see also: Mk 12:15; Lk 20:23)

At this point it is important to understand who the Pharisees and the Herodians were dealing with. Jesus was the incarnation of the God of the Old Testament. His ability to look into a person's heart was flawless. This truth is born out in the Psalms

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. ( Psa 139:1-3)

Was there something unique about the coin Jesus used to illustrate His answer?

It was customary, though not absolutely essential, to pay “tribute” (taxes) in Roman currency. The coins used bore an image of the emperor’s head along with an offensive inscription: “Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus” on one side, and “Pontifex Maximus” on the other. The words “Pontifex Maximus” meant “high priest” and were a great offense to Jews in that region.

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We at Blow the Trumpet genuinely enjoyed our time with you.We hope to see you next week.