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
“Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” seems pretty straightforward. Regardless of how just (or unjust) a system of government may be, living within it means there are rules to follow, laws to obey, and requirements (such as paying taxes) that citizens must adhere to.
But how are we to “give to God the things that are God’s?” All that we have—the air we breathe, food and shelter, friends and family, meaningful work, our very lives—are signs of God’s extravagant love for us! How is it possible to return what we’ve already been given?
Perhaps the answer lies in remembering that nothing truly belongs to us. Rather, we are called to be good stewards of all we have received, giving thanks each day for God’s abundant gifts and then going about the work of caring for creation and tending to the needs of our neighbors.
Prayer
Make us faithful stewards of your gracious gifts, O God, and keep us ever mindful that all we have is yours. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
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