Luke 20:22

Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)

Maar sê vir ons: Is dit reg om aan die keiser belasting te betaal of nie?”

What Does This Mean?

This verse is from a question asked to Jesus by some people who were trying to trick him. They wanted to know if it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, the Roman emperor. The key message shows how Jesus handled tricky questions with wisdom and truth.

Explained for Children

Imagine your friend asks you if it's okay to share your toys with someone new at school. Your friend is trying to see what you'll say because they think you might not want to share. But in this story, Jesus was asked a similar tricky question about sharing money with the emperor who ruled over their land.

Historical Background

This verse comes from the Gospel of Luke, written by Luke around AD 60-85 for Gentile Christians. The context is when Jews were under Roman rule and facing questions about loyalty to both God and Caesar. This question was used as a trap in Jesus' time to either incriminate him or expose his views.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, we might face similar dilemmas where societal laws seem to conflict with our beliefs. For instance, a Muslim employee may wonder if it is lawful to work on holidays designated by their non-Muslim employer. Such situations require thoughtful and informed decision-making, guided by both faith and respect for the law.

Topics

• taxation
• loyalty
• wisdom
• lawfulness
• traps and tests
• faith vs. law

Related Verses

• Exodus 18:21
• Psalm 75:6-7
• Matthew 22:15-22
• Romans 13:1-7
• Mark 12:13-17

Frequently Asked Questions

Who asked Jesus this question?

Jesus was approached by some Pharisees and Herodians who were trying to trap him into saying something that could be used against him, either legally or politically.

What is the tribute mentioned in Luke 20:22?

The tribute refers to a tax levied by Roman authorities on the people under their rule. This was a contentious issue because it represented submission to foreign rulership, which some Jews found objectionable.

How does Jesus respond to this question in Luke 20:22?

Jesus responds by asking for a coin and pointing out whose image is on the coin. He then advises that what belongs to Caesar should be given to him, and what belongs to God should be given to God.

What can we learn from Jesus' wisdom in Luke 20:22?

We can learn about how to handle situations where our beliefs are challenged or when others try to trap us. By responding with truth and wisdom, as Jesus did, we can navigate difficult questions without compromising our integrity.