Taxes have always been a sore subject. Nobody likes paying them, and in Jesus’ time, they were more than just a financial burden; they were a symbol of oppression and betrayal. Some Jews, like the Zealots, refused to pay taxes to Rome, believing it was an act of treason against God. Others, like the tax collectors, embraced the system and made money off their own people.
When Jesus was asked about paying taxes to Rome, He didn’t give the answer they expected. Instead, He pointed to a greater reality—not just about money, but about who we belong to.
Who Were the Zealots?
The Zealots were a radical Jewish sect that fought against Roman rule. They took inspiration from the law in Deuteronomy 17:15, which commanded Israel:
“You may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother.” (Deuteronomy 17:15)
They believed that submission to Rome was a violation of God’s law and that Israel should have no king but Jehovah. Some even resorted to violence, assassinating Roman officials and Jewish leaders who cooperated with the empire.
This movement had been brewing for decades and would eventually lead to the Jewish Revolt (66-73 AD), a war that ended with the destruction of the temple, just as Jesus prophesied:
“Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Matthew 24:2)
One of Jesus’ disciples, Simon the Zealot, had been part of this movement (Luke 6:15). Yet, rather than fighting for Israel’s political freedom, he found himself following the One who came to bring a greater kingdom (one not of this world) (John 18:36).
Who Were the Tax Collectors?
At the opposite end of the spectrum were the tax collectors, also known as publicans. They worked for Rome, collecting money from their own people. They were notorious for corruption, taking more than required for their own profit. This is why they were despised:
“Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, ‘Teacher, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Collect no more than what is appointed for you.’” (Luke 3:12-13)
The Jews saw tax collectors as traitors and unclean, often grouping them with sinners:
“Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.” (Matthew 9:10)
Yet, one of Jesus’ own disciples, Matthew, was a tax collector. When Jesus called him, Matthew left everything and followed Him:
“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9)
The fact that Jesus called both a Zealot (Simon) and a tax collector (Matthew) into His inner circle is profound. These men would have been natural enemies, yet in Christ, their worldly allegiances were set aside.
Why Were Roman Taxes So Hated?
Taxes in the Roman Empire were not just financial burdens; they were symbols of foreign control. The Jews resented Roman taxation for several reasons:
It funded their oppressors
The money collected went to pay for Roman soldiers, idols, and even the emperor’s lavish lifestyle.
It violated their national identity
Many Jews believed that paying tribute to Caesar was an admission that he was their ruler, not God.
It was corrupt
Tax collectors often took more than required, as seen in Zacchaeus’ confession:
“If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” (Luke 19:8)
The Pharisees and Zealots opposed Roman taxation, believing that it compromised Jewish loyalty to God. This is why the question of taxes was such a perfect trap for Jesus.
The Pharisees’ Trap: Should We Pay Taxes to Caesar?
One day, the Pharisees and Herodians came to Jesus with a trick question:
“Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Matthew 22:17)
This was a no-win question:
If Jesus said “Yes, pay taxes”, the Jews would see Him as a traitor.
If He said “No, don’t pay”, He could be arrested for rebellion.
Jesus saw through their deception and turned the question back on them. He asked for a denarius, the Roman coin used to pay the tax. Holding it up, He asked:
“Whose image and inscription is this?” (Matthew 22:20)
They answered, “Caesar’s.”
Then Jesus said: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
With this simple statement, Jesus completely avoided their trap while teaching a deeper truth.
What Did Jesus Mean?
The Coin Bears Caesar’s Image—So Give It to Him
The denarius had Caesar’s face stamped on it. It was his currency, his government, his economy. If he demanded taxes, then let him have it. This was not an endorsement of Rome, but a recognition that earthly governments have a legitimate (though limited) role. Paul later reinforced this:
“Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” (Romans 13:7)
We Bear God’s Image—So Give Yourself to Him
The coin bore Caesar’s image, but we bear God’s image:
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” (Genesis 1:26)
Just as the denarius belonged to Caesar, we belong to God. Taxes may be a reality of life, but our true allegiance is to the One who created us. This was the deeper truth Jesus was pointing to: The government may have a claim on your money, but God has a claim on your soul.
My Final Thoughts
The Zealots thought the answer was rebellion, the tax collectors thought the answer was compromise, and the Pharisees thought they could trap Jesus with politics. But Jesus didn’t side with any of them. Instead, He reminded them (and us) that while we live in this world, we belong to a greater kingdom.
Yes, we should be responsible citizens. But at the end of the day, our allegiance is to God above all else. So, give Caesar his coins. But give your heart, your worship, and your entire life to God, because you bear His image.
The Pharisees are among the most well-known religious groups in the New Testament. They were deeply religious, experts in the Law, and strict in their observances; but they were also blind to the very Messiah they claimed to be waiting for. Jesus’ strongest rebukes were reserved for them, not for the sinners and tax collectors. Their outward righteousness concealed a heart that was far from God, and their legalism led them to reject the One who fulfilled the Law.
Let’s examine who they were, what they taught, how Jesus rebuked them, and what warnings we should take from their example.
Who Were the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were a religious sect in Israel that emerged during the intertestamental period (the time between Malachi and Matthew). Their name, “Pharisee” (from the Hebrew perushim), means “separated ones.” They sought to separate themselves from impurity and uphold the Law of Moses with the strictest interpretation.
They were not priests but laymen (scribes, scholars, and religious leaders). By the time of Jesus, they had great influence over the Jewish people and were highly respected. Paul himself was once a Pharisee, saying:
“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.” (Acts 22:3)
Though they were zealous for the Law, they were also hypocrites, as Jesus often exposed. They followed man-made traditions that placed burdens on people rather than bringing them closer to God.
All Mentions of the Pharisees in Scripture
The Pharisees are mentioned 98 times in the New Testament. They are frequently seen debating with Jesus, questioning His authority, and ultimately plotting to kill Him. Here are a few examples:
John the Baptist rebukes them
“Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matthew 3:7)
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Jesus
“Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2)
The Pharisees accuse Jesus of blasphemy
“Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:21)
Jesus condemns their traditions
“Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.” (Matthew 15:6)
The Pharisees demand signs
“A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” (Matthew 16:4)
Jesus warns against the leaven of the Pharisees
“Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6)
The Pharisees test Jesus on divorce
“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” (Matthew 19:3)
The seven woes against the Pharisees
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.” (Matthew 23:25)
They plot to kill Jesus
“Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.” (John 11:53)
The Pharisees opposed Jesus at every turn because He exposed their self-righteousness and revealed their spiritual blindness.
The Doctrine of the Pharisees
Jesus warned His disciples:
“Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6)
The “leaven” referred to their doctrine. What did they believe?
They believed in strict adherence to the Law
The Pharisees were devoted to the Mosaic Law and the oral traditions that had been passed down. They added extra rules and regulations to ensure no one came close to breaking the Law.
“For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders” (Matthew 23:4).
They believed in oral traditions over Scripture
They had interpretations and expansions of the Law known as the Talmud and Mishnah, which became more authoritative than the written Word of God.
“Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3).
They believed in the resurrection of the dead and angels
Unlike the Sadducees, they accepted life after death and the spiritual realm.
“For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection—and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.” (Acts 23:8)
They were obsessed with outward righteousness
Jesus exposed their hypocrisy:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.” (Matthew 23:25)
They were legalistic and lacked mercy
Jesus rebuked them:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” (Matthew 23:23)
Their religion was external but their hearts were far from God.
How Jesus Rebuked the Pharisees
Jesus did not tolerate their hypocrisy, pride, and spiritual blindness. His strongest rebukes were against them:
They were blind guides: “They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” (Matthew 15:14)
They were full of pride: “For they love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synamagog/”>gogues, greetings in the marketplaces” (Matthew 23:6-7)
They were children of hell: “You travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” (Matthew 23:15)
They were murderers at heart: “Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?” (Matthew 23:33)
Jesus loved sinners but rebuked the Pharisees because their religion was about appearance, not relationship.
The Pharisees’ Plot to Kill Jesus
Their hatred of Jesus grew because He exposed their false righteousness. In their jealousy and rage, they sought to kill Him:
“Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him.” (Matthew 12:14)
“The chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, ‘What shall we do? For this Man works many signs… If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.’” (John 11:47-48)
Their hatred led them to conspire with Judas (Luke 22:2-6) and demand Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:20).
The Warning Against Religious Legalism
Jesus gave a final warning:
“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (Luke 12:1)
Legalism is dangerous because it makes righteousness about works rather than grace. It can lead people to miss Jesus entirely while believing they are righteous.
Paul later said:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
My Final Thoughts
The Pharisees had knowledge but no relationship with God. Their legalism blinded them to grace, and their pride kept them from repentance.
As believers, we must reject self-righteousness and embrace true faith in Christ, which is based on grace, not works.
Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that sparks debate among believers. Some reject it outright because of its commercialization, while others worry about its origins. But what does Scripture say about love, affection, and honoring our spouses? Is there room for a Christian to observe this day in a way that glorifies God? Let’s dive into the history, the biblical definition of love, and how we can approach Valentine’s Day as followers of Christ.
The Roots of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is often linked to the Roman festival Lupercalia, a pagan fertility celebration held in mid-February. However, it was later associated with Saint Valentine, a third-century Christian martyr. One tradition suggests that Valentine was executed for performing marriages for Christian couples during a time when Emperor Claudius II banned marriage for young men, believing unmarried soldiers were better warriors. Another story says Valentine ministered to persecuted Christians and was eventually executed for his faith.
The Catholic Church eventually established February 14th as a feast day in his honor, and over time, it became a day associated with love and romance. While it is true that there were pagan elements in the background, the modern celebration is far removed from those roots. Many of our days of the week and even wedding rings have pagan associations; yet their meanings have changed over time.
The question is not about the origins alone, but rather how a Christian should approach it today. Can it be used to honor God, or does it inevitably lead to worldliness?
The Biblical Difference Between Love and Affection
The Bible makes a clear distinction between love (ἀγάπη: agapē) and affection (φιλόστοργος: philostorgos). Love is more than a feeling—it is an act of the will.
Agape Love – This is sacrificial, unconditional love. It is the love God demons/”>demonstrates for us. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Phileo Love – This is brotherly love, a deep companionship and bond. Jesus asked Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape) Me?” and Peter responded, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.” (John 21:15-17) The difference in the words shows that phileo is affectionate, but agape is self-sacrificial.
Eros Love – This refers to romantic love, designed by God for marriage. “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love.” (Proverbs 5:18-19)
Philostorgos (Affectionate Love) – This word appears in Romans 12:10: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” This affectionate love is seen in close relationships and within marriage.
Biblically, love is an action (not merely an emotion). True love is seen in the daily commitment between a husband and wife, not just on special occasions.
Should Christians Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
While it is true that we should love our spouses every day, setting aside a day to express affection is not unbiblical. In fact, celebrating love within marriage can be a way to honor God. Scripture speaks positively of remembering and cherishing your spouse:
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22)
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is better than wine.” (Song of Solomon 1:2)
If a couple chooses to use Valentine’s Day as an occasion to strengthen their marriage, encourage one another, and express gratitude, it can be a good thing. However, if it becomes an idol (where one demands love be proven with extravagant gifts or worldly expectations), it can become a distraction from genuine love.
Love Must Not Be Worldly
Valentine’s Day in the world is often about temporary feelings, indulgence, and even sexual immorality. The world equates love with lust and passion, but God defines love as sacrifice, commitment, and faithfulness.
Paul warned against being conformed to the world:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
If a Christian couple chooses to observe Valentine’s Day, it should be done in purity, in love, and in a Christ-honoring way. This means rejecting the materialistic and lust-driven aspects while embracing godly affection, encouragement, and time spent cherishing one another.
My Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is what you make of it. While it has historical connections to both pagan and Christian traditions, the modern celebration is largely about love and relationships. If it becomes an excuse to demand attention, seek validation, or fall into lustful indulgence, then it is not God-honoring. But if it is used as a time to express gratitude, encouragement, and the love God designed for marriage, then there is nothing sinful about it.
The Bible commands us to love our spouses every day, not just on February 14th. However, setting aside a special time to honor your spouse, express gratitude, and strengthen your marriage can be a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love for His church.
As long as a Christian celebrates with godly intent, purity, and love, there is no biblical reason to reject the day outright. Rather than fighting against a date on the calendar, let’s use it as an opportunity to reflect God’s love in our marriages.
Shamgar is one of the lesser-known judges of Israel, yet his account is remarkable. His name appears in only two brief verses in the Book of Judges, yet in that short mention, we see a powerful example of God using an ordinary man with an ordinary tool to accomplish extraordinary things.
“After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel.” (Judges 3:31)
“In the days of Shamgar, son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted, and the travelers walked along the byways.” (Judges 5:6)
These two verses give us a glimpse into the chaos of Shamgar’s time and the heroic act he performed.
What Was an Oxgoad?
An oxgoad was a long wooden stick, typically 6 to 8 feet long, with a sharp metal tip on one end for prodding oxen while plowing. The other end was sometimes shaped into a chisel or blade for scraping dirt off the plow. It was not a weapon; yet Shamgar used it as one, demons/”>demonstrating his resourcefulness and God’s power working through him.
What Happened?
Israel was under Philistine oppression, and the people were afraid to travel on the main roads, as indicated in Judges 5:6. The Philistines were notorious for their iron weapons and military dominance, making them formidable enemies.
Shamgar, armed only with an oxgoad, killed six hundred Philistines and delivered Israel. We do not know the exact details (whether this was a single battle or over time), but the result was clear: God used Shamgar as a deliverer, even though he had no sword, no army, and no formal title as a military leader.
What Can We Learn from Shamgar?
God Can Use Anyone, Even the Ordinary and Overlooked
Shamgar was not a king, prophet, or priest; he was a simple farmer. Yet God empowered him to save Israel. You don’t have to be famous or have great resources for God to use you. Shamgar had only an oxgoad, yet God worked through it.
Stand Against the Enemy with Courage
The Philistines were a strong and well-armed enemy; yet Shamgar stood against them. In spiritual warfare, we are often outnumbered and outmatched in human strength, but victory comes from God. Like Shamgar, we are called to stand firm and fight with what God has given us.
Deliverance Comes in Unexpected Ways
Israel’s deliverance didn’t come through a great army: it came through one faithful man with an oxgoad. God often delivers His people in ways that confound human logic. He used Shamgar, Gideon with 300 men, and David against Goliath to prove that victory comes from Him, not from human strength.
My Final Thoughts
Shamgar teaches us that God uses ordinary people with ordinary tools to do extraordinary things. If we are faithful with what we have, trust in Him, and stand against the enemy, He will bring the victory. You may not have an oxgoad, but whatever is in your hand (your time, talents, or resources) can be used for God’s glory.
Will you be like Shamgar and trust God with what He has given you?
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, the Jewish leaders repeatedly sought to kill Him. Their hatred grew as He challenged their authority, exposed their hypocrisy, and declared Himself to be the Son of God. The Gospels record multiple instances where the religious leaders attempted to take His life, but each time, He either escaped supernaturally or because it was not yet His appointed time. This study will walk through these key passages, examining why they wanted Him dead, how He escaped, and what it reveals about God’s plan.
Early Attempts on Jesus’ Life
Luke 4:28-30 – The Rejection in Nazareth
The first recorded attempt to kill Jesus happened in His own hometown of Nazareth. After reading from Isaiah in the synamagog/”>gogue and declaring, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21), the people were filled with wrath.
“So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.” (Luke 4:28-30)
Why did they try to kill Him?
Jesus had just declared Himself as the fulfillment of prophecy, and He also rebuked their unbelief, pointing out that in the days of Elijah and Elisha, God showed mercy to Gentiles rather than Israel. This enraged them.
How did He escape?
The Bible simply says, “He went His way.” Whether this was supernatural or He simply walked through them unnoticed, the text does not explain; but it was clear they could not lay a hand on Him because His time had not yet come.
Conspiracies to Kill Jesus in Jerusalem
John 5:16-18 – Healing on the Sabbath
After healing the man at the Pool of Bethesda, Jesus commanded him to take up his bed and walk, on the Sabbath. This angered the Jewish leaders.
“For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.’ Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.” (John 5:16-18)
Why did they try to kill Him?
They accused Him of breaking the Sabbath and blasphemy, claiming equality with God.
How did He escape?
There is no record of an attempt to seize Him here, but their hatred intensified, leading to future plots.
John 7:30 – Attempt to Seize Him at the Feast
At the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus openly taught in the temple, astonishing the people with His wisdom. The religious leaders were furious.
“Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.” (John 7:30)
Why did they try to kill Him?
He openly challenged them and claimed to be sent from the Father.
How did He escape?
No one could touch Him because His time had not come yet.
John 8:58-59 – “Before Abraham Was, I AM”
Jesus declared His eternal existence and deity by saying:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)
The Jews knew exactly what He meant: He was claiming to be Jehovah, the great “I AM” of Exodus 3:14. Their response was immediate.
“Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.” (John 8:59)
Why did they try to kill Him?
This was blasphemy in their eyes (a man claiming to be God).
How did He escape?
He hid Himself and passed through them unnoticed. Whether this was supernatural or providentially orchestrated, we do not know.
John 10:30-31 – “I and My Father Are One”
Jesus made another undeniable claim to deity:
“I and My Father are one.” (John 10:30)
“Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.” (John 10:31)
Why did they try to kill Him?
Again, they accused Him of blasphemy, saying:
“For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” (John 10:33)
How did He escape?
The Bible says, “He escaped out of their hand” (John 10:39).
The Final Plot to Kill Jesus
John 11:47-53 – The High Priest’s Conspiracy
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the Jewish leaders realized they could no longer allow Him to continue. His miracles were undeniable, and the people were believing in Him.
“Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, ‘What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.'” (John 11:47-48)
Caiaphas, the high priest, made a prophetic statement:
“It is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” (John 11:50)
From that moment, they planned to put Him to death.
Why did they want to kill Him?
The religious leaders were afraid of losing power, influence, and their position under Rome. They saw Jesus as a threat not just religiously, but politically.
How did He escape?
Jesus withdrew to Ephraim (John 11:54) until it was the right time for Him to enter Jerusalem for the Passover, when He would lay down His life willingly.
The Appointed Time – Jesus’ Arrest and Crucifixion
Every time the Jews sought to kill Jesus, He escaped, until His hour had come. At His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus did not resist. When Peter tried to fight, He told him:
“Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53)
Jesus was not taken by force (He laid down His life willingly).
“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.” (John 10:18)
At the cross, the religious leaders finally succeeded in having Him crucified; but it was all according to God’s plan of redemption.
My Final Thoughts
The Jewish leaders tried to kill Jesus many times, but they never succeeded until God’s perfect timing. Their motivations were clear: they accused Him of blasphemy, hated Him for exposing their hypocrisy, and feared losing their power. Yet, every time they tried, He either escaped miraculously, walked away untouched, or left the area.
Jesus was never a victim (He was in complete control the entire time). His death was not forced upon Him but was the fulfillment of prophecy: the ultimate act of redemption for the sins of the world. When His hour had come, He surrendered willingly, demons/”>demonstrating that no one could take His life—He gave it for us.