Taxing Issues

            All along Luke has identified Jesus as the king who is bringing God’s rule to earth. In chapter 19, the people of Jerusalem finally recognize him for what he is.  As he rides into town on a colt, crowds line the road and sing his praises. “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven!” (Luke 19:38). As we know, God’s kingdom encompasses all of life, and the issues Jesus chooses to discuss immediately before and after his entry to Jerusalem touch on the taxes and investments. The three passages that concern us are all discussed in depth in other Theology of Work Project articles, so we will give brief synopses and references here.