The Jewish people were expected to pay three kinds of taxes: ‘ground tax’ – one tenth of their produce (in cash or kind); ‘income tax’ – one per cent of the male member’s income; and ‘poll tax’ – by every male member from the age of fourteen to sixty-five, and every female member from the age of twelve to sixty-five. While the taxes were unjustly imposed, the Jews also resented them because the practice went against their religious beliefs. They believed taxes were to be paid only to their God and king; so paying taxes to the Roman Emperor would amount to accepting Him as their God. This is why the Pharisees used the question to trap Jesus, whom they presumed would either fall out of favour with the people or the Roman authorities.

Instead of answering the direct question, Jesus raises the question to another level. His answer goes beyond telling us not to compromise - He also emphasises that the only binding obligation is that of justice, that of giving to every person what is due to them. If God has given us all that we are and have, then we are bound in justice to give back to God some gratitude, loyalty, and service.

On Mission Sunday, it’s only appropriate that we ask ourselves ‘how have we done this?’