Matthew 22:19
Friday, 28 August 2026
Show Me the tax money.”
So they brought Him a denarius. Matthew 22:19
“‘You display to me the ‘coin, the census’.’
They also offered to Him – denarius.” (CG)
In the previous verse, Jesus knew that they were setting a trap for Him with their question about paying the census. Therefore, He challenged them on it, calling them hypocrites. In order to give them a response, He next says, “You display to me the ‘coin, the census’.”
Instead of directly answering their question, He asks for the coin used when paying the Roman census. As this was the approved coin, it means that every person in the country had their census paid for with it.
Whatever they hand Him, therefore, will provide His answer to their question. If He sides with the Herodians, the Pharisees will be able to accuse Him. If He sides with the Pharisees, the Herodians will be able to accuse Him. How will He get out of this? Not yet knowing His intent, “They also offered to Him – denarius.”
The denarius is a Roman coin. Depending on what the census tax was referring to in Matthew 17, this may help us understand the didrachma mentioned there –
“When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?’
25 He said, ‘Yes.’
And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, ‘What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?’
26 Peter said to Him, ‘From strangers.’
Jesus said to him, ‘Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.’” Matthew 17:24-27
Regardless of the meaning of that tax, the denarius was a standard coin, known to be widely used among the people. It has already been noted in two parables, indicating that it was the standard coin used by the people when dealing with such matters –
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’” Matthew 18:28
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.” Matthew 20:1, 2
As this is so, Jesus will make a point about the matter based on this.
Life application: If you are planning on making an accusation or a defense about a matter, one sure way to bolster your side of the argument is to have a physical prop at hand. In a trial, something with fingerprints on it is a certain way of proving that a person’s hand was on whatever is presented.
Having photos of a person doing something, legal or illegal, can be used to prosecute or defend. Such things work because people can see them. They become undeniable pieces of evidence to support one’s position.
Instead of just saying what is on His mind, Jesus uses a physical, tangible prop to support what He is about to say. Depending on what is said, and also who says it, an air-tight case can be made, beyond which there can be no contestation.
Remember this as you deal in such matters. If you have such a prop available to you, be sure to include it. Words can have strength, but physical evidence of some sort can be the final nail in the coffin when it is presented.
Lord God, help us to think matters through so that we will take the right avenue that is needed to resolve the difficult matters that arise in our lives. May this be especially true when we deal in matters which include our relationship with You. May our lives and actions always bring glory to You. Amen.
