a trick answer

Matthew 22:15-22

They tested Jesus to justify their own duplicitous devotion.
They served Caesar in order to serve themselves.

The Temple Cult leaders were in collusion with Rome (Empire) and gave lip service to God, but gave their hearts to the gods of wealth, power and status.

It was unlawful in Empire not to support the Empire, but immoral for people of God to support the abusive, exploitative and hateful agenda of Empire.

Many resisted paying the tax.  Some had little left, because Rome took everything from them.  Others resisted because they themselves were greedy.  But some resisted because to pay the tax meant supporting Empire, which meant supporting the abuse, exploitation and oppression of God's people.

Jesus had preached and taught resistance to Empire.  Jesus was a Rabbi.  Jesus was also subject to Roman power, both military and economic.  They were trying to put Jesus at odds with either Rome or the people.  Jesus did not bite.

If it is about coins and images on coins, then pay what is due the one whose value is the coins.  It means nothing, ultimately.  Give to Rome the things Rome demands, even while resisting.  Capitulate to what one must do, but resist.  Participate in the abuses as the abused in such extreme ways (going the extra mile while carrying the Centurian's gear, giving the cloak and not just the coat that is required by one's debtors) and thus make a mockery of their abuses of power and influence.  Smile as you serve them.  Be polite.  And resist in other ways.  On the surface, comply.  In your heart and mind, resist.  Engage in non-participation wherever possible.  Impede their progress.  Make it harder for them to execute their abuses and oppression.  Do not yourself get caught up in exploiting sisters and brothers with them.  Do not allow yourself to be in collusion with them as are the religious leaders.  Do not gain a little power over others from them, as do the political leaders. 

Your devotion belongs to God.
The Agape Love that Jesus commanded is meant to be lived with God and neighbor, and not given to wealth, power and status.
God does not allow duplicitous devotion.
In our hearts and minds, we must acknowledge that it ALL belongs to God, ultimately.
In our hearts and minds, we must never buy into an abusive, oppressive and exploitative way with others who are also children of God.
We must never benefit from a system of oppression, exploitation and abuse.
The religious leaders and political leaders sold out.  We must never sell out.

Comply with the demands of the oppressors on the surface.  Give them what they require, for their value is not your value.  Do it just enough to stay out of trouble, but not enough to gain from it personally.  And otherwise, resist participation in Empire.  Never take on their values.  As much as possible, keep others from being hurt by it.  Teach others Jesus' Way as an alternative.  Sabotage it.  Dismantle it. 

And in your hearts and minds, love God with all you have and your neighbor as yourself.

We cannot serve two masters, said Jesus.  It all belongs to God.

Pastor Jamie