Matthew 22:15-22 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 22:15-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. Verse 16So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Verse 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" Verse 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Verse 19Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. Verse 20Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" Verse 21They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." Verse 22When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
Devotion
Trapped by trickery, or trumped by truth? Smooth tongues dripping with flattery put their slippery test to Jesus. A simple “yes” and his answer may have been twisted to make him a friend of Rome; a “no” and they might have perverted his reply and labeled him a revolutionary. With his response, however, Jesus indicates there’s no comparison here. This isn’t apples to apples or even apples to oranges. Though he may think himself an all-powerful god, the emperor and his “things” are as temporary as his image and inscription on a coin. On the other hand, the Creator of all heaven and earth, well … what can you say? God’s “things” include it all, even emperors and empires.
So go ahead. Be a good citizen of this kingdom and pay your taxes. But remember that the truth of God’s kingdom trumps all. Amazing!
Prayer
O God, forgive us for attempting to put you in the same league as anyone or anything else. Keep us in the truth that we and all things belong to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.