Scripture: Matthew 22:17-22
So tell us what you think: Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Knowing their evil motives, Jesus replied, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used to pay the tax.” And they brought him a denarion. “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked. “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” When they heard this they were astonished, and they departed.
Thought for the Day: Though this question was asked in an attempt to trap Jesus by those who did not like him, his answer is fascinating. Does it really answer the question? Wouldn’t you expect a simple YES or NO? The answer, in some people’s thinking, is an indirect reference to the divine image that rests upon each person. When Jesus says we are to give to God what belongs to God, it sounds as if he is pointing to every human being, for each carries the divine image. There have been many, usually politicians, who have used this passage to say the Bible tells us that we must pay our taxes. I’m not suggesting the opposite, but for us to make it the moral of the story is to miss its power. And to give ourselves to God, there might be a moment when we are required to oppose a tax, if such a tax does not align with the Gospel. Of course, that’s the tough question to ask, and I am definitely not going to give any suggestions in this devotional on when such an opposition should occur.
Prayer: Let me always be about the work of asking good questions, but let me be mindful of your answers, O Lord, that might just raise more questions for me to explore. Keep me searching! Amen.
REMEMBER
This Sunday
One Service Sunday
Worship at 10:30am
Picnic to Follow
