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Did Jesus Promote Socialism? - Taxes

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*Updated 12/2019* W ell, here we are. Concluding a lengthy study of the topic of Jesus and socialism. Did Jesus promote socialism? We took three weeks seeing what Jesus taught about the poor ( Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 ). We took one week looking at the sick ( Part 4 ). This week, we’ll conclude by seeing what Jesus taught on paying taxes. Taxes “And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (NASB, Mark 12:16-17) In Mark 12:13-17, the religious leaders are questioning Jesus about paying taxes. Like today, there were harsh penalties for not paying taxes. They questioned Jesus, “Should you pay taxes to the government?” They thought they had the perfect question to trap Jesus. He knew how to respond. “Look at the coin. Who’s picture is on it?” “Caesar’s”, they replied. “Then pay your taxes. The tax money was used