Day 52: March 19

SCRIPTURE
Matthew 22:1-22

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT
Matthew 22:15-17 Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples along with the supporters of Herod to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how you teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what do you think about this: is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

OBSERVATION
Sometimes there are tough choices to make in life and whichever way you choose it could lead to more issues. Jesus was in a tight predicament.  He knew that they were not interested in the answer, He also understood that they were trying to trap Him with their trick question.

Jesus refused to answer them, but He knew the people around him would not understand, nor did He have the time to explain. It appeared that no matter which side Jesus took, He would create a tough predicament for Himself and His ministry. If He would have verbally opposed the tax, He would be in trouble with Roman government. If He would have approved the tax, He would be in trouble with the Jews.

Here was an opportunity for the master teacher to silence his enemies, and at the same time, teach the people an important, spiritual truth. “Tell us what do you think about this: is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”  Jesus profoundly stated, “Give back to Caesar, what belongs to Caesar,” was His reply. “And give back to God what belongs to God.”

APPLICATION
In this simple but profound statement Jesus silenced the crowd and humbled His opposers. If you realize people are trying to force you into a tight predicament by asking a question that they are not interested in the real answer, we need to be slow to give an answer, sometimes praying and being mindful of how we say things can make a world of difference. Seek God and stick to our true convictions no matter how people may react. Sometimes any answer we give may be offensive or sound harsh if we take a firm biblical stand. However, Jesus taught several important truths in His answer to the religious leaders:

• Christians must obey the officials and law – this is taught elsewhere in scripture in the New Testament Romans 13, I Peter 2:13–17; I Timothy 2:1, Christians have a dual citizenship, in heaven and on earth.  We must respect our earthly rulers, leaders, and elected officials. We must obey the law, pay taxes, and pray for those who are in authority.
• Christians must honor and obey God – Cesar was not God. While governments can enforce religion, neither should they restrict freedom of worship. The best citizen honors his country because he worships God.
• Man bears God’s image, and we owe God everything – Caesar’s image was on the coin, but God’s image is on man (Genesis 1:26–27). Sin has marred that image, but through Jesus Christ it can be restored. The relationship between religion and government is personal and individual. It is right for people of God to serve in the government, but it is wrong for government to control the church or vice versa. God is in control.

PRAYER
Father, yeah, we thank you for leadership. We thank you for government that is put in place to help guide us and make society a better place. Father, help us to be good citizens, to uphold and honor the law and the people who make and enforce the law. Father, mainly help us to honor Your laws and Your authority, and be obedient to whatever You tell us to do regardless of what it looks like.  We thank you for your wisdom, your guidance, and love. Help us to look more like you.  Thank you for your love and your spiritual authority. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen!