It is recorded in the Scriptures that the Pharisees, who insisted on a strict observance of the letter of the Mosaic law, attempted to discredit Jesus, who had brought a new commandment of love to the people. At one time they sent their disciples and the Herodians to trap Jesus by asking him if it was lawful to pay taxes, or tribute, to Caesar.
By way of answer to their question the Master asked them to bring him a coin of that period with which they would pay their tax to Caesar, and they brought him one. Showing the coin to them, he asked whose image appeared on it. The coin had upon it Caesar's likeness. When they answered, "Caesar's," he said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Matt. 22:21; Their crafty trap had failed and they left silently.
Jesus' words are applicable today, for in a world seeking a universal panacea for all mankind's ills through the practice of medicine, with its demands being enforced in certain instances by state and national legislation, we are again faced with rendering "unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Many parents are finding that public health laws enforced in the schools and youth organizations demand a physical examination and the inoculation of their children.
