Thanks nostr:nprofile1qqs96lscahga7xvz3z77exx6wsy7sml06ufwul2n00tvrvlc723mhggpp3mhxue69uhkyunz9e5k7qg4waehxw309ajkgetw9ehx7um5wghxcctwvsfgjjwt

Here are my thoughts...

These passages describe an attempt by Jesus' opponents to trap him during his final week in Jerusalem. Religious leaders were increasingly hostile toward Jesus, especially after he cleansed the temple and taught parables criticizing them. They sought to discredit or to have him arrested (buy the romans).

The passages posed a loaded question:

"Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

An answer of "no" would mean he was in violation of Roman law for ensiting a tax evasion.

Saying "yes" would alienate many Jews who resented Roman taxes and saw them as oppressive (the poll tax symbolized subjugation).

Jesus asked for a Roman denarius (a coin used for the tax- made of silver btw). When shown one, he asked:

"Whose likeness and inscription is this?"

They replied, "Caesar's. Jesus then delivered his famous reply:

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

Jesus avoided the trap by reframing the issue around ownership and allegiance rather than politics alone.

The coin bore Caesar's image and inscription, so it" belonged" to him ...pay the tax (check your "money" and see who's name is on it- spoiler alert, it says "Federal Reserve Note").

But humans bear God's image, give God your full devotion, loyalty, worship, and obedience (what truly belongs to Him).

If earthly authorities demand what belongs to God (e.g., worship, moral compromise, or idolatry), God takes precedence.