The complexities of our modern-day world, with its multitudinous economic, governmental, and social problems, sometimes cause people to look backward with nostalgia and remark, "Those were the good old days!" However, as one examines each period of human history, he readily sees that although the scene changes, the problems remain the same in essence.
For example, taxation seems a heavy burden today, and many individuals feel that reforms of some nature are essential. Nearly two thousand years ago Christ Jesus lived in a land subservient to a foreign power. Imperial Rome imposed taxes upon the populace, and undoubtedly many people viewed this obligation in much the same light as it is seen today. Resentment toward Rome was in all likelihood prevalent. The Pharisees believed they could ensnare Jesus on the subject, and they sent their disciples and the Herodians to see if "they might entangle him in his talk" (Matt. 22:15).
In response to the question, "Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?" our God-inspired Master replied, "Render ... unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." That this answer satisfied his questioners is certain, for "when they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way."
