March 4

Matthew 22:15-22 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

16And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

20And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" 21They said, "Caesar’s." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s."

Observation

The question “is it lawful” about taxation was a hotly debated topic for the Jews. To pay taxes meant the Jews were supporting the occupation forces—the Roman heathen government. Not to pay meant they were rebelling against Caesar. So the fanatically patriotic Pharisees who held the first view, and the Herodians (Jews who sympathized with the Roman Government) who held the second view, join hands to trap Jesus. Essentially, Jesus couldn't win, so they thought.

The Pharisees feigned reverence and flattery when they asked the controversial question to Jesus: "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

Jesus knowing their evil intent, gave the most brilliant answer, getting to the heart of the problem. "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

The coin (denarius) had the image of Caesar representing the legal government and in that sense owned the coinage and so they had the right to taxes. But we (mankind) bear the image and the likeness of God (Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image) so we belong to a higher divine authority.

Application

As Christians, we have sort of a dual citizenship—citizenship to a country and the citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Jesus seems to be saying that we have a responsibility to both. We need to give to the government of our country that which we owe in service and taxes. But our ultimate loyalty should be to God, who owns us by creating us and providing us with all that we have in life.

How am I serving Jesus who gave it all so that I could be free from the bondage of sin and make me a citizen of heaven? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 …you are not your own, for you were bought with a price.)

What I have, children, husband, home, talents, money are not really mine but first God’s since I wouldn’t have any of it if it were not given to me by His grace and generosity. Am I rendering to God what belongs to Him?

Prayer

Lord, all that I am, all that I have belong to you. Take me and use me, as you will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

--Kathleen Hong