Jesus the master of Kobayashi Maru

Dearest e-votees,

This Sunday's gospel lesson sure seems like the world hasn't advanced very far in the last two millennia.

Jesus is approached by Pharisees and Herodians (a very unholy alliance) and they seek to capture him in his words with yet another "Gotcha!" question.  

They simply ask if it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not.  If he says "yes" then the religious leaders can point out Jesus supporting the occupying force of the Romans and write him off as one who sides with the enemy.  If he says "no" then he can be turned over to the Romans as one undermining the "Pax Romana" (see meditation in 10-14 Taize worship service).  No matter how Jesus answers he is trapped.  For you Trekkies is is really a Kobayashi Maru.  Yet Jesus, aware of their malice, channels his inner James T. Kirk and escapes the inescapable.

Peace,

Karl

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The trap of the Pharisees and the Herodians is that implied in their question are two competing human loyalties--the emperor and to one's people.  By forcing Jesus to pick one they were trying to force him to antagonize the other.  

Jesus rewrites the question by taking out of the human realm (are you loyal to the person of the emperor or the people of your heritage?) and elevating to a higher authority (are you remembering a Hebrew National ad campaign just about now?).  

He essentially says do whatever you will in terms of your questions about loyalty to people.  But never forget loyalty to God.  Whatever is God's (and what isn't?) ought to be rendered to God.  Neither the Pharisees nor the Herodians would ever suggest withholding from God what is God's.  Check mate.

Jesus has danced out of their snare and got to the crux of the matter.  Soon, in the gospel of Matthew, he will get to the crux of the crux.  Good Friday is looming.  He will have other opportunities to bow to Herod and Pontius Pilate coming soon but he will defer his loyalty to God.  He will give to God what is God's which will release that to us too.

What things of human origin seek to unduly distract and ensnare us?  What "emperors" are coming after us wanting their fare share?  Can we learn a little something from Jesus here?  For God's sake I hope so. 

Dear God, rescue us from the snares set in our paths.  Give us focus and courage to put you above others.  Thank you for all you give us.  Help us return to you with faith and gratitude.    Amen.