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Home Matthew 22:15-21 NRSVue

Matthew 22:15-21 NRSVue

15Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality. 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” 21They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.”

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

Reflection on Matthew 22:15-21

Inspiration from 2026-10-18 Daily Prayer

The words are very clear. ‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s. The Pharisees constantly put Jesus to the test because they feared his influence. His followers knew that he taught the way of God in accordance with the truth.

Jesus’ teaching about taxes is as relevant today as it was when he instructed the Pharisees. The amount of tax you are liable to pay may be as tiny as a grain of yeast, but that tiny amount contributes to maintaining hospitals, schools, emergency services and housing.

Further reflection

People have worked on this reply of Jesus, some hankering for revolution against an oppressive regime, some trying to bolster their conservatism. What is your answer, Lord? You hungered and thirsted for justice, and heard the cry of the poor. In all your preaching you championed the cause of the destitute. But you sought change by peaceful means, even turning the other cheek to violence. And in acknowledging the need to pay tribute, you accepted that a properly run state is preferable to anarchy and jungle law.