>>18364
Mark 12:13-17
And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar's.” Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him.
It was wrong of the Roman Empire to tax Israel. Jesus was not saying that taxes should be paid, he was not supporting the principle of taxation. He was instead reminding the Pharisees that Caesar did in fact own the money that he taxed. And we do the same. I doubt that anyone here actually avoids taxes. Instead, we agree that taxes are immoral, and that a new society should exist where there are no taxes.
If Jesus had said no you shouldn't pay taxes, then the Herodians would have charged him with treason against Rome, whereas if he he said yes you should pay taxes, then the Pharisees would have accused him of being disloyal to God.
Also, publicans (tax collectors) were consistently criticized throughout the New Testament, often referred to as sinners. Many of them even overcharged just to make a larger profit.
Mark 2:15-17
And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Exodus 20:15
You shall not steal.