Was Jesus Sarcastic

It is that time of year again: tax time. Every year we are required (there is nothing voluntary about the US tax laws) to render unto Caesar what is his. (If God can live on 10%, why can't Uncle Sam?)

Some how the verse from the Bible dealing with this came up last week in my 20th Century European History class. Here is the context:

So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?" They said, "Caesar’s." He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." (Luke 20:21-25,ESV emphasis added.)

Was Jesus being sarcastic with this? What does Caesar own? Recall the passage from Psalm 50:10 where God says, "For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills."

If God owns everything, what can Caesar possibly own? What can any of us truly own?

I am not advocating a tax revolt. Let me make that clear, lest the IRS accuse me of such.

I had just never heard that take on this passage. It is almost as if Jesus is saying (with a tinge of sarcasm), "Who's picture is on the coin? Caesar? Sure, give it him." It is not like he really owns it.

Just the thoughts of a grumpy guy who owes the government more of my money.