Scripture

Then He said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

Observation

The Pharisees and Herodians hatch a plot to trap Jesus with His words. They start with flattery before springing the trap: “Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?”

Jesus sees their evil intent, knowing that whichever way He answers will lead to trouble, either from the Roman authorities or the people.

He shows them a coin, asking whose portrait and inscription it bears. “Caesar’s”, they reply. He tells them to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is due to God

Application

Jesus has a way of cutting through arguments, traps and paradoxes to get to the heart of issues.

In this case the issue is not about courting popularity and political clout, as the Pharisees and Herodians thought.

The issue, as is so often the case, is about where our heart priorities are.

The coins bear Caesar’s portrait and inscription, so he has the right to as many of them as he wants..

But people have been created in God’s image and bear God’s inscription, so we belong to Him.

Sure, pay your taxes. At the end of the day, that is all the government is entitled to. But give God your whole life. He made you and He deserves you.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, please show me what I am holding back from you and help me to give everything I am to your service. Amen.