A few years ago, an advertisement aired on television about the two certainties in life: death and taxes.
The commentator went on to say he could not do much about death, so the most important thing he should do was take control of his taxes. We may pay different tax rates, but death is the great leveller. Rich and poor, powerful and weak…..all die!
What a joy to know Jesus is the answer to death…and provides us with practical instruction on taxes as well!
Life and death was the crucial topic for Jesus and His word could not be clearer: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die…..” (John 11:25-26)
Similarly, the writer to the Hebrews says of Jesus: “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Only through Jesus’ death and resurrection is our death done to death! (1Corinthians 15:55-57)
Contrary to our world, Jesus sees money as less important. When questioned by the Pharisees about the legality of paying taxes to the Roman emperor, Jesus replied: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mark 12:17)
Jesus paid the correct amount of tax Himself (Matthew 17:24-27), and Paul insists His followers do the same (Romans 13:5-6).
Being alive in Christ should also mean we are all squared up with the ATO!
– Phil Pratt