The Pharisees were against paying taxes to Caesar. In Rome, Caesar was considered a deity or divine god to the Romans. If the Pharisees will pay taxes to Caesar, then it is like they are accepting or paying homage to a god – an unwanted god! On the other hand, the Herodians pay taxes to Caesar. Herod was a political leader whose power came from Caesar. Since he was under the Romans, he has to pay taxes or contributions to Caesar (it usually happens to countries colonized by a much powerful nation) much to the dismay of the people since they are once more back to being bossed around by foreigners after enjoying brief freedom gained during the Maccabean era.
If you will read this bible reading, you will notice that Jesus does not object the power of Caesar because He knows that Caesar’s power is only political. I think that the Jews in the past are a bit confused since they are thinking that politics and religion are in some ways connected or even one. That is, one cannot be independent without the other.
This confusion still exists today not only in the Jewish faith but to other religion as well. For example, some politicians do believe that women should have liberty to choose whether to abort her child or not. But the Catholic Church, as well as other religion too, is against to that notion. The politicians will justify themselves by using democracy and free will in their arguments. The Church will also justify its stand by using morality and spirituality in their argument. This is one issue out of a hundred that further separates politics and religion.
The lesson that I learned after reading this bible passage is to pray to God always for assistance and direction. If you put God in the Center of your being, you will always make the right decision.

Featured Prayer:
O St. Jude Thaddeus
Thou relative of Jesus Christ, thou glorious apostle and martyr, renowned for thy virtues and miracles, faithful and prompt intercessor of all who honor thee and trust in thee! Thou art a powerful patron and helper in grievous afflictions. I come to thee and entreat thee from the very depths of my heart; come to my aid with thy powerful intercession, for thou hast received from God the privilege to assist with thy manifest help, those who almost despair of all hope. Look down upon me; my life is a life of crosses, my days are days of tribulation and my heart is an ocean of bitterness. All my paths are strewn with thorns and scarcely one moment passes but is witness of my tears and sighs; uneasiness, discouragement, mistrust and almost despair prey upon my soul. Thou canst not forsake me in this sad plight. I will not depart from thee until thou hast heard me. Oh! Hasten to my aid, I will be grateful to thee all my life. I will honor thee as my special patron, I will thank God for the graces bestowed upon thee and will encourage devotion to thee according to my power. Amen.
St. Jude, Pray for us!
And for those who invoke thy aid!