Clip from “Stranger than Fiction” – Tax Man scene. -

Link to the original script - pgs. 9-14. (Caution - the script has much coarser language than the movie itself.)

 “In this world, Nothing is certain but death and taxes” – Benjamin Franklin

Let’s look at the situation – the context of this question.  We’ve got Jesus there – presumably preaching and teaching to the people; and off in the sidelines are a few guys (Pharisees) standing in the shadows of the temple. You wouldn’t notice them if it wasn’t for there eyes glistening as they watched Jesus with the people. Suddenly, another group (the Herodians) – still in the shadows, joins these guys and you hear whispering – maybe some light laughter.  [Pharisees / Herodians] The Pharisees have been watching Jesus ever since he got into Jerusalem – just waiting for an opportunity to snag him in his words. The Pharisees weren’t alone in their dislike of Jesus though. The Herodians (whom we only read about 3 times in the New Testament) are folks who are ardent supporters of King Herod – who allowed Roman rule into the kingdom. These two groups never spent time with each other? They didn’t even like each other. Well, in this case – the old adage “My enemies’ enemies are my friends” was true. After they ‘buttered-him-up’ 

v. 16 [“Teacher, we know that you are true and teach  the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for  you are not swayed by appearances.”] 

…trying  get Him off His guard, they’d ask “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not.” This was a deviously clever question. If Jesus said ‘No’ the Herodians would report Him to the Romans, who would kill Jesus for (let’s call it) ‘tax evasion’ and if Jesus said ‘Yes’ it’d make him unpopular with the Jewish nationals who detested the practice to begin with.  No, Jesus wouldn’t be fooled by this question. He could appreciate the position of the Herodians, because Rome was technically the ruling authority whether they liked it or not. He could appreciate the Pharisee’s position, because the paying of taxes was kind-of humiliating: Not only did they have on them the image of Caesar himself (which the Jews weren’t crazy about) but they had to be paid to a temple of a roman God.  What does He say? “Give back to Cesar what is Cesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” It turns out Jesus is something of a politician.  Not only did he give nobody the answer they wanted to hear, but he pushed his agenda. “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

It’s funny. Neither of these things – giving back either to Caesar or God – are too tough to nail down, (understand)  but both are very hard for us to do. For me – taxes are a particular sore spot.  This past summer, I worked as a media producer for Concordia Seminary – more than 40 hours a week – and every other week when I got that paycheck – seeing Uncle Sam relieve me of nearly 20% of my check maid my blood boil. Jesus response is a little different than the text we have in front of us -  and it is best understood as “Give back to Caesar what is Caesars…” This little word ‘back’ makes a big difference in how we understand taxes and tithing – because if we’re giving back – it means that we are returning something that wasn’t ours to begin with. Whether we admit it or not, we are better off because of the government we have. The government – which is really society as a whole, has elevated our quality of life, and for that, we contribute our earnings. It’s not a perfect system, but nothing in the hands of humans will ever be. “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Turns out this command from Jesus - giving things back to Caesar or God – Government or the church, is as much about the amount we give as it is the attitude with which we give it.  In the video clip – you may remember the main character’s assessment of the baker’s tax evasion as “Stealing from the government.” We don’t just ‘not pay’ the taxes we don’t agree with. If we steal from the government, there are consequences. I don’t think it’s going too far to say that when we don’t tithe of our time and talents – we’re stealing from God.  As Cross of Christ we have consequences too. It’s not seizing assets, or making warrants for arrest; the price is paid by the church as a whole. Lacking funds means cutting projects and lack of volunteers means cutting programs.  Every commitment that goes in this basket this morning is going to be budgeted so that each dime and each minute goes to serve the greater glory of God – everything from supporting missionaries thousands of miles away to keeping the lights on to making sure that your pastor can provide for his family while he serves here.  [full stop] In his catechism, we recall Luther’s description of ‘daily bread’ in the Lord’s prayer: “Clothing, shoes, food, drink, house home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors and the like.” Not only do we belong to God, but everything we have has been given to us by God.  (Government included.) Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s… and to God what is God’s

I am reminded of something that’s happened all last week. I listen to NPR. In fact, around here, I listen to WUTC – and if you do too, you know full well that regular programming has been suspended for this quarter’s fund drive. 10 minutes of Morning Edition and Carl Castle, 15 minutes of “Call us now! Just 5 more this hour!” 15 minutes of prairie home companion’s ‘bop-bop-aree-bop rhubarb pie’ and 20 minutes of “Send us money and we’ll send you a tote bag!” Who likes being asked for money all the time? Here at Cross of Christ, we’re blessed. The stewardship committee hasn’t had to send out a letter in a while now requesting more giving,  and as you can see the lights are on here. Here – today – let’s take up an attitude of thanks.  As a response for what God has done for us, as a response for all of the blessings that God has given us, and as we prepare now for the Lord’s Supper – remembering what Christ has done for us, Let’s give back to god that which is already His to further extend His kingdom and make known the love He has for each of us. Frankly, the fact that God would even except anything from people as imperfect as us  is a Testament to how Great His love is for us. Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s… and to God what is God’s

Turns out ol’ Ben Franklin left something out.  Death is a certainty, and after watching the debate last week, it looks taxes are too. But, one certainty that we have in this life that cannot be denied – is that God will take care of us no matter what. He sent Jesus to save us, and when death comes – it isn’t the end – because He will raise us from our grave on that last day and there won’t be an IRS anywhere to be found. Give back to Caesar what is Caesar, and to God what is God’s.