Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22.15-22

Scripture

Jesus told them, “give the Emperor what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God.”

Observation

The Pharisees start to plan how they can trick Jesus into saying something to offend either the Romans or the people. They try to butter Him up with flattery before unloading their question- is it right to pay taxes to the Emperor?

The Pharisees think they have in in a trap, but Jesus sees through their plan. If He says it is not right to pay taxes to Rome, they can have Him charged with treason. If He says it is right to pay taxes, then the people will lose faith in Him.

Jesus responds by getting a coin and saying it is right to the Emperor the coin with his name and image on it, but we must give to God what belongs to God.

Application

Some Christians rile against paying taxes to Governments that they see as ungodly. But other parts of Scripture encourage us to submit to the powers that are over us because the authorities are God’s gift to us, even when they fail to exercise their power justly.

Here Jesus says that the Emperor’s name and image are on the coin so really he owns it all anyway. It is right to pay taxes even if we find them unfair.

On the other hand, the name and image of God are on our souls, so we should give all that we are back to God. Caesar can have his money, but let God have the one thing that truly matters, and that is your whole being.

It is easy to get obsessed with money even to the exclusion of worshipping the Lord. My life is to be totally dedicated to Him. I want to be found honouring God, not worshipping mammon.

When I die, money and taxes will end, but my love for God will last for eternity.

Prayer

Today Lord I recognise that it is your image that is stamped on my soul. I will give myself to you in every way. Amen.