[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during October 2025]
“A tax is the best means of defence”. So said Frank Wiesel, the political adviser to the right honourable Jim Hacker, the Minister for Administrative Affairs in the TV series ‘Yes, Minister’.
We live at a time when taxes and tariffs figure as prominently in our daily news reports as they do in our everyday transactions. Indeed, the idiom that ‘the only two certainties in life are death and taxes’ is often quoted when the topic comes up in conversation. The phrase itself is usually attributed to US statesman Benjamin Franklin in 1789 but the sentiment had several earlier incarnations.
The Bible too has many references to taxes and tributes, so much so that one might wonder if God is on the side of the tax collectors. Here is a report of one social event when Jesus was the guest of honour.
And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them.
Luke 5 v29 [ESVUK]
The earliest specific reference to taxes in the Bible comes in the account of the formation of the Israelite nation after their exodus from Egypt. Every person over the age of twenty was required to contribute to the expenses of the Tabernacle.[1] However, there are earlier reports of the occasion when Abraham gave tribute to Melchizidek and a description of how Joseph had established a trading system in Egypt whereby crops were subject to a 20% tariff.[2]
The New Testament story too effectively starts with a tax:
And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
Luke 2 v1 [KJV]
Some years later Jesus and his disciples were on a preaching tour. They were challenged on the matter of paying taxes.
When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?”
Matthew 17 v24 [ESVUK]
In response Jesus told Peter to “go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”[3] Two interesting points arise from this incident. Firstly, that Jesus as a citizen who made use of the Temple facilities was willing to pay the tax and secondly that he also provided sufficient for Peter’s tax as well. God provides for the needs of his servants as they use their skills in his service.
On another occasion Jesus was once again challenged, this time on the matter of paying taxes to an unpopular government. His reply has become a common everyday expression.
Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.
Luke 10 v25 [ESVUK]
The conclusion arising from these passages is that we who are participants in our secular society should be willing to pay taxes. Furthermore, we who have received blessings from God should be happy to acknowledge his generosity and respond as our resources allow.
Praise, my soul the King of heaven,
To his feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
who, like me, his praise should sing.
Praise him, praise him, Praise him, praise him,
Praise the everlasting King!
Henry Francis Lyte (1834)
How can we show our praise in a practical way? One way might be to support the HBC Beacon project[4] via Gift Aid, thereby allowing the taxman to contribute to the project!
References:
[1] Exodus 30:11-16
[2] Hebrews 7:2, Genesis 47:26
[3] Matthew 17:27
[4] The HBC Beacon project
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys