Offering versus Obligation In a typical year we many of us would be filing our federal and state Matt 22.21 taxes this week. I usually wait until the day before they are due, and it drives my wife crazy. I am ready to file the first week of March, but I Then he said to them, “Give, then, to Caesar the things that are like to wait and let Uncle Sam get a few weeks of interest on the money Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” I overpaid. Last year we had until July 15, and I filed on July 14th. Taxes are a legal obligation, and if the IRS catches you not paying or The Point: Taxes are an obligation, and offering is an act of love and cheating, there are stiff penalties. Specific offerings are not required; worship. they are a gift of love to God. The Question: Is there a difference between a tithe and an offering? The Judean leadership needed a criminal charge against Jesus to bring the Roman government to force his arrest. So, they devised a scenario ensuring a revolt among his disciples and the people or a treason charge. Key Characters and their motivation There was no way he could turn the tables on this question. “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” Say yes, and the mob will disown him—or worse, a possible stoning. Say no, and the word will get to the Roman Governor, and it will be at least flogging and some jail time, or the death sentence they want. Key elements Realistically, the tax is lawful—just emotionally charged. Jesus makes that point and reminds them there is an obligation to give to God. The The coin tithes, temple tax, and sin offerings are required. They have a basis in God being the creator of all and, therefore, the owner of all. What we The inscription have to live on is a loan from God. What is God’s The coin they hand Jesus tells all. The inscription reads, “Caesar Augustus Tiberius Son of The Divine Augustus.” On the back is Pax, The freedom of the New Testament giving the Roman goddess of peace and the Daughter of Jupiter. The Temple ½ Shekel reads “Holy Jerusalem on the front and ½ Shekel on the back. “From the receiver to the giver—what you have promised.” The Tyrian Shekel is blasphemous: Baal is on the front of the coin. In the Old Testament, there were required tithes, a census tax, and offerings for festivals and atonement. In the New Testament, the offering, I would say, is required, but the amount is a gift of love based on what God loans you to live on – you give from your abundance. It is not a repayment but a gift to God’s kingdom, a freewill offering of March 28, 2021 #814 agape love. So, show your love to God by giving to kingdom work. .