Friday, July 3 09

15. ASKING FOR THE TAX COIN

THEN the high priests, scribes and Pharisees heard this from Me, they did not know what more they could do against Me to catch Me in My words, since with the question about the Kingdom of God they did not succeed because they could not say anything against it and because all the people from the crowd loudly declared that I had spoken and taught the full truth.

[2] Also the more moderate ones who were present said: “We told you before that with questions from the Scriptures you are no match to Him because He may be more familiar in this than we ourselves. You only should ask His advice and opinion about Roman laws, which He, as a so-called prophet, cannot approve because of the laws of Moses. We could more easily catch Him with that. But then the questions should be asked by those who are very qualified.”

[3] All agreed on this and they secretly deliberated to know how they should handle it to catch Me in My own words in the manner that was advised.

[4] Some went outside to the scholars of the Roman law and also to the judicial advisers of Herod, and they promised a great reward if they could catch Me in My words.

[5] Soon they came with a pretended friendly look and said (the servants of Herod): “Master, we know that You are truthful and You make the way of God known in the right manner, without asking if perhaps someone did not agree with Your teaching. For only the truth counts for You and not the respect of a person, so that You always can speak out a free judgment. Look, we are lawyers and found it always very strange that we as Jews, who according to the law of Moses should always be free, still have to pay taxes to the emperor of Rome. What is Your opinion about this matter? Is it right that we Jews have to pay taxes while we have a certificate which says that we, despite the Roman domination may move freely according to the law of Moses. What do You say about this?”

[6] However, because I noticed very clearly their cunningness at the time they came in, I looked at them very seriously and said aloud: “Hypocrites, why do you want to tempt Me!? Show Me such a tax coin!”

[7] At once they showed Me such a coin. [8] Then I said: “Whose image is on it and whose inscription!?” [9] They said: “As You can see, the one from the emperor.” [10] I said: “Well, then give to the emperor what belongs to the emperor and to God what belongs to God!” [11] When they heard this, they were surprised at My wisdom and said to the priests: “You can test this wise Man yourself, because we are no match for His wisdom.” [12] Then they went away. [13] And again I spoke freely with the people about the immortality of the human soul, which attracted a few Sadducees who were there. After a short while I came in contact with them, which follows now.

[14] After these discussions it was of course already around noon. For this reason a few of My disciples asked Me if it would not be better to leave the temple and to look for a midday meal, because I conquered the Pharisees almost completely and all the people was in our favor and they believed in Me.

[15] I said: “This can still wait for awhile because man does not live from bread alone, but also from every word that comes out of the mouth of God. I have to work as long as it is day. When the night comes it is not easy to deal with this people and to work. Sure, the Pharisees have left now to deliberate again if perhaps I still cannot be caught in one way or another. Therefore, they soon will come back to make it difficult for Me. And there is a big group of Sadducees who also have something against Me and will soon start a discussion with Me. On this occasion the necessary Pharisees and scribes will not be absent either. Therefore, we will stay in the temple, for also the people will stay here. But if one of you wants to leave to take care of his body he also can do that. But I prefer that you stay here.”

[16] When the disciples heard that from Me they stayed and not one of them left the temple.