Three random fictitious conversations between Matthew and Solomon about The IRS. That might have taken place at various times in history… But did not!
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Three random fictitious conversations between Matthew and Solomon about The IRS. That might have taken place at various times in history… But did not!
Matthew: So, have you ever heard of a little thing called the IRS?
Solomon: The what?
Matthew: The Internal Revenue Service. They’re the ones who collect taxes from us poor citizens.
Solomon: Ah, yes. We had a similar system in my time. Tax collectors were not very popular, I can tell you that much.
Matthew: Yeah, I’m sure you can relate. But at least your people didn’t have to deal with all of this paperwork and red tape.
Solomon: We had our own share of problems, my friend. But tell me, what do you do as a tax collector?
Matthew: Well, I collect taxes from my fellow citizens and give it to the government. But honestly, I’m trying to turn a new leaf. I’ve seen the error of my ways and I want to make things right with God.
Solomon: I commend you for that, Matthew. Repentance is always the first step towards redemption. But tell me, why do you think people dislike tax collectors so much?
Matthew: I think it’s because they see us as greedy and dishonest. We’re seen as taking money from hard-working people and giving it to a corrupt government. It’s not a very flattering image.
Solomon: Hmm, that’s interesting. But you know, I think there’s a deeper issue at play here. People don’t dislike tax collectors because they collect taxes. They dislike tax collectors because they don’t trust them.
Matthew: What do you mean?
Solomon: If people trusted that their taxes were being collected fairly and used appropriately, they wouldn’t hate tax collectors. They would see them as necessary for the common good. But when people feel like their money is being taken unfairly or misused, they lose trust in the system. And that’s when resentment starts to build.
Matthew: I see what you’re saying. So, what can we do to build trust with the people we serve?
Solomon: Well, I believe it starts with transparency and accountability. In my time, I made sure that my government was accountable to the people. I listened to their grievances and made sure that their voices were heard. By doing so, I built their trust and loyalty.
Matthew: That’s a good point. I think we can apply those same principles to the IRS. The more transparent and accountable we are, the more people will trust us.
Solomon: Exactly. And as long as we’re sincere in our efforts and guided by Christian principles, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our fellow citizens.
Matthew: I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for your wisdom, Solomon.
Solomon: And thank you for your repentance, Matthew. Together, we can make the world a better place, one tax at a time. (both laugh)
Matthew: Hey Solomon, have you ever heard of the IRS?
Solomon: The what now?
Matthew: The Internal Revenue Service. It’s a government agency that collects taxes from the people.
Solomon: Ah, taxes. The bane of every man’s existence.
Matthew: Tell me about it. But at least I have a job as a tax collector. What do you do for work, Solomon?
Solomon: Well, I’m a king.
Matthew: A king? Like in Game of Thrones?
Solomon: Something like that. But can you imagine being a king and having to deal with the IRS? I’d rather face a dragon.
Matthew: Ha! You think you have it bad. Try being a tax collector during biblical times. People looked at us like we were lepers.
Solomon: I feel your pain, my friend. But at least you have a steady income. As a king, I have to worry about wars, famine, and keeping the peace in my kingdom.
Matthew: Wars, famine, taxes… it’s all the same. We both deal with people who don’t want to give up their hard-earned money.
Solomon: True, true. But as a king, I have the power to make those people pay up. I can throw them in jail, exile them from my kingdom, you name it.
Matthew: Ah, but as a tax collector, I have the power of persuasion. I can sweet-talk people into giving me their money. Or, you know, threaten them with the wrath of God if they don’t.
Solomon: That’s certainly one way to do it. But as a wise king, I prefer to lead by example. I pay my fair share of taxes and set an example for my subjects.
Matthew: And I, as a repentant tax collector, have learned the error of my ways and make sure I’m always fair and just.
Solomon: It’s good to hear that we both take our duties seriously, my friend.
Matthew: Indeed. And who knows? Maybe someday the IRS will be a thing of the past.
Solomon: More likely we’ll have flying cars and robots by then.
Matthew: Ha! Don’t give me any ideas. Can you imagine having to collect taxes in the sky?
Solomon: You never know, my friend. Anything is possible in this crazy world of ours.
Matthew: Amen to that.
Let’s do ‘Twenty Questions’!
Matthew: Okay, Solomon, I’m thinking of something.
Solomon: Is it a physical object?
Matthew: Yes!
Solomon: Does it have anything to do with taxes?
Matthew: Yes!
Solomon: Is it something that the government uses to collect taxes?
Matthew: Yes!
Solomon: Is it a department within the government?
Matthew: Yes!
Solomon: Is it the IRS?
Matthew: Yes! You got it in only five questions.
Solomon: I’m a king, Matthew. I always get what I want. But tell me, what does the IRS stand for?
Matthew: IRS stands for the Internal Revenue Service. It’s responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing tax laws.
Solomon: I see. Do you work for the IRS, Matthew?
Matthew: Yes, I do.
Solomon: Do you like your job?
Matthew: Well, it’s not as glamorous as being a king, but it’s important and keeps the country running.
Solomon: I can see that. Do you have any tips for people who want to minimize their taxes?
Matthew: Yes, there are a number of legal ways to do that. For example, you can contribute to a tax-advantaged retirement account, like an IRA or a 401(k). You can also deduct charitable donations and business expenses.
Solomon: That’s good to know. Thanks for the advice, Matthew. It was nice playing twenty questions with you.
Matthew: The pleasure was all mine, Solomon.
Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and the author of the Gospel of Matthew. He was a tax collector before being called by Jesus to follow him. Despite his profession, he responded to Jesus’ call without hesitation and gave up everything to become a disciple.
Throughout his Gospel, Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He writes of Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and ultimately his death and resurrection. Matthew’s Gospel also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love for one’s enemies.
Matthew’s faith in Jesus continued even after his death and resurrection. He faithfully served as a witness to the risen Christ and spread the gospel throughout his community.
One of the most memorable moments from Matthew’s time with Jesus is when Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for associating with “sinners.” Jesus responded by saying, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-13).
Through his Gospel and his life, Matthew teaches us the importance of faith in Jesus and the power of love and forgiveness.
Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba and is recognized as one of the greatest kings of Israel. He was known for his wisdom, wealth, and successful reign. According to the Bible, Solomon asked God for wisdom, which pleasing God, who not only granted him great wisdom but also gave him riches and honor beyond measure.
During his reign, Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem as a house of worship for God. His wealth and wisdom attracted many visitors from far and wide to seek his counsel and to marvel at the beauty of the temple.
Despite his great accomplishments, Solomon also fell into sin. His many wives tempted him to follow their false gods, and he strayed from the commandments of God. This led to the eventual division of Israel after his death.
Despite his flaws, Solomon is remembered for his wisdom and his writings, which make up much of the Book of Proverbs. His life serves as an example of the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and obeying His commands.
As Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
The IRS, or Internal Revenue Service, is the government agency responsible for collecting taxes from individuals and businesses in the United States. As Christians, we are called to submit to the authorities placed over us by God (Romans 13:1). This includes paying our taxes to the IRS. In Matthew 22:21, Jesus said, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” While paying taxes may not always be enjoyable, it is important to do so with honesty and integrity. As Christians, we are also called to be good stewards of our finances, which includes properly reporting and paying taxes.
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Have fun creating a conversation between two Bible characters. One in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament and see what happens!