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JUSTICE AND GREED (MARK 12:13-17)

REFLECTION

Justice and greed is the theme of our reflection. Justice is acting on morally right and fair principles. Greed is an intense, selfish desire for something. We are required to act justly even when we are tempted to be greedy. It is important to note that the Pharisees and the Herodians were all Jews with different historical orientations but had a mutual interest in seeking independence from the Roman Government. The Pharisees sought independence in the form of the re-establishment of the Davidic Kingdom devoid of any foreign religious and cultural interference or imposition. In contrast, the Herodians who were a political sect sought political independence to become the ruling class of the Jews. On this occasion, these parties of divergent views or opposing views became partners in crime against Jesus, who had taken the attention of the public and was making the two parties unpopular through His public ministry. The Pharisees and the Herodians were themselves opposed to the Roman Government and its laws and taxes but usually pretended to be allies to the Roman Government.  They conspired to lure or tempt Jesus to commit a treasonable crime of supporting the popular sentiment of the Jewish rebels who opposed payment of tax to the Roman Empire thereby rejecting the Roman Emperor’s authority over the Jews. The penalty for such a treasonable offence is death. 

After paying lip service and hypocritical respect to Jesus (Mark 12:13-14), they posed the question to Him, “Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.”  They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:14-17).  Jesus teaches the importance of paying taxes as a just obligation to the government. Taxes are imposed by the government for developmental projects and the provision of social services. If Jesus had encouraged the non-payment of taxes then He is in effect supporting the rebellion against the Roman government which is responsible for the development of its colonies and ensuring their peace and protection. In other words, you may not like the government in power, but for the common good of the nation, we must pay our taxes to help the government to discharge its mandate of providing social amenities and executing sustainable programmes and projects for the mutual benefit of the citizens. It will, however, be an act of greed to avoid paying taxes and unjustly criticise the government for the poor state of the economy and development in the country. Conversely, it is fair and just to criticise the government if indeed you are a patriotic citizen who pays taxes but is not satisfied with the state of affairs regarding the development of the country. It is important to add that the government must be mindful of the plight of the poor and vulnerable when imposing taxes. Taxes must be reasonably and justly imposed on citizens to promote compliance. 

Paying our taxes as a civic duty does not exempt us or prevent us from giving to God. “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17). Taxes are imposed by the Government but Giving to God is described by Paul as “each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7). Let us act fairly or justly in support of the government and the mission of God, for this is the meaning of the phrase ” for God and country.” A greedy Christian is a citizen who does not care about the growth and development of the state and the church. When the State and the church grow as a result of our patriotism and Christian stewardship we shall have a just, equitable and peaceful society and be blessed by God as a nation and as individuals. Shalom

PRAYER 

HOLY SPIRIT ENABLE US TO ESCHEW ALL FORMS OF GREED.  EMPOWER US TO WORK TOWARDS A JUST AND PEACEFUL NATION AS CITIZENS AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST. AMEN.