Matthew 22:15-33

Be Still: Lord, in this moment of rest and reflection, draw me closer to you. Teach me your ways and transform me from the inside out that I may do your will in word and deed today. Amen

Read: Matthew 22:15-33

So give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. (v21)

Encounter: Everyday, in this world of money and allegiances, family and finances, I am in a battle for what belongs to me, what belongs to the government and what belongs to God. How do I navigate what is right with so many needs and demands? 

In Jesus' day, the Sadducees, along with other Jews, didn’t want to pay anything to Caesar at all. The Romans had imposed a poll tax among other taxes in 6AD which led shortly after to a revolt by Judas the Galilean. Now Jesus, another Galilean was here, and everyone wanted to know 'will he be like Judas'? Jesus, however, is different. He asks for a denarius, a silver coin with the emblem of Caesar and inscription, ‘son of god’. Because of its idolatrous implications, the Romans, with pragmatic sensitivity, had issued Jews other copper money for everyday use. Jesus didn’t have a denarius. The Sadducees did, exposing their hypocrisy. Jesus tells them if that is Caesar’s coin, to give it back to him. 

The second question is around loyalty to God. In a pithy statement, Jesus says it is possible to give to the government and to God. He is also implicitly putting Caesar in his place: he’s not a god, there is only one God.

Apply: Today, I fear we struggle more with giving to God than to the government. We must be honest and ask where our true loyalties lie. Do we have faith and trust in God to provide for our material needs or are we working for ourselves? Everything we own is gifted from him. Psalm 50 declares 'the cattle on a thousand hills are his.' How do we thank him? Paul says God loves a cheerful giver. Let’s steward well all he gives us, trusting in his provision to meet our needs. And give back to him what's his.

Devote: Lord, continue to transform my heart around money and giving. Make me more wise, more generous, and more responsible with my finances. Thank you for providing for my every need.