Isn’t it Ironic

April 15 is Tax Day. This year that day finds itself in the middle of Holy Week…which is kind of ironic. However, if we take the unfolding of the events in Luke’s Gospel (which we’re following this year) to be reasonably chronological, then sometime between Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday is when some of the religious and political leaders of Israel asked Jesus about the rectitude of paying taxes to an immoral and oppressive government. (see Mt 22:15-22; Mk 12:13-17; Lk 20:20-26) That makes the irony of Tax Day occurring in the middle of Holy Week actually rather authentic in a weird way.

We all know Jesus’ answer to the tax question: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Lk 20:25) That means a lot of things besides just taxes.

Remember that small section of Luther’s Small Catechism called the “Table of Duties.” Luther outlines a number of obligations that people in different positions “owe” to one another…Luther lists 13 groups which are mutually obligated to one another—its an odd number because he tacks on the catch-all category “everyone” at the end! His list begins with ministers/ congregants then moves to Civil Government and the Citizenry—which is all of us. I’m just going to quote him here:

Of Citizens

Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. Matt. 22:21

It is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Rom. 13:5–7

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior. 1 Tim. 2:1–3

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good. Titus 3:1

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13–14

Sadly, Luther was famously naïve when dealing with political matters. His words directed against the rulers’ oppression of the working class contributed to the Peasants’ Revolt of 1524. After riots broke out, Luther penned other words in a pamphlet regrettably titled “Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants” (May 1525). This led to a martial crackdown which resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 peasants.

Luther couldn’t conceive of the lack restraint exercised by the “nobles” as they put the revolt down, and secured their own wealth and power. Neither group seemed to prominently figure God into their equations of conduct. That, too, surprised Luther, which is why I called him naïve.

Luther really tried to live his “Table of Duties” and place God at the center of his decision making. Not everyone else does—most of us know that. But that brings me to US. Luther is right: we should strive to follow God’s direction to “obey” our leaders, as long as they don’t require us to go against his Law or Gospel. But we must also be aware that not everyone else will be seeking God’s will. Many people will claim to, while seeking their own self-interest, instead. May we “be gentle as doves and wise as serpents.” (Mt 10:16) May we try to treat all people as we want to be treated.

Peace,

Pastor Derek