15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”
18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.
Matthew 22: 15-22
Questions for Reflection:
As you allow yourself to observe how Jesus interacts with these Pharisees, what about Him impresses you?
How do Jesus' words help us in being good citizens even though the governing authorities may be plagued with ungodliness?
How is knowing you are God's "image bearer" in the world, helpful in the "posture of your heart" today?
Prayer of the Week:
Almighty God and Father, as we celebrate this week of the 4th of July we recognize that You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will.
Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life.
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action.
Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people.
Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail.
Lord, keep this nation under Your care.
Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth.
Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve You faithfully in our generation.
As we move into the second half of the summer lead us as individuals, families and a church to hear and respond to Your gracious call on our souls, “Come to Me ... and I will give you rest”. Help us respond to that gracious call with this simple request from our hearts, “Restore my soul, Jesus, Restore my soul.”
Amen
