Passion Week Teachings 3

Good Morning! 

Continuing our study of the teachings of Jesus during Passion Week …

Matthew 22:15-22 English Standard Version (ESV)

Paying Taxes to Caesar

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.[a] 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius.[b] 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

Footnotes:

a.     Matthew 22:16 Greek for you do not look at people's faces

b.     Matthew 22:19 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer

The Pharisees made up the largest denomination within the religious hierarchy of Judaism.  The Herodians, while also a religious faction, were more of a political group that believed in supporting the rule of the Herods – meaning they were often at odds with the Pharisees.  Here we see these two groups coming together to tempt Jesus.  The Pharisees hoped Jesus would support Herod … and thus turn the crowd against Him.  The Herodians hoped Jesus would support the Pharisees … and thus be guilty of sedition.  Jesus’ answer was perfect … things that belonged to Caesar should be paid to him; things that belong to God should be paid to God. 

Keep in mind that one of the tables Jesus overturned was the moneychangers.  Who were they?  The Temple tax could not be paid with Roman coinage.  It had to be exchanged for Jewish currency.  The moneychangers would exchange Roman coinage to Jewish currency … for a “small fee” … that varied from person to person … if you get my meaning.  This practice of cheating is what Jesus objected to when He arrived in Jerusalem.  Hmm … do we have this practice existing today?  Unfortunately, there are those who use our faith for their personal gain.  I am wondering how Jesus would respond to them if He were to return today.  I wonder what awaits them in eternity.

What do we owe our government?  A number of our government’s practices are abhorrent to believers in Christ Jesus.  Yet, we are encouraged to honor those who are in positions of authority over each one of us.  Americans are fortunate to live in a country that is responsive to its people.  It is imperative that we use the power of our vote to elect people to office that honor our God.  It is also imperative that we communicate regularly with those who have been elected to represent us.  This is true on all levels of our government … city, county, state and federal.  This is true whether your political leaning is liberal or conservative or somewhere in the middle. In all things we should honor God by seeking His wisdom in our decisions.

God bless you on this, another good day in the Lord.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

Prayer: Father, we ask that You endow us with wisdom to encourage our leaders in government to honor You with all their decisions.  In Jesus’ Name … Amen.

Scripture for today: Matthew 22:15-22