October 7, 2013

“Caesar’s. God’s.”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 22:15-22
Mark 12:13-17
Luke 20:20-26
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The Pharisees were constantly seeking to entangle Jesus with His own words.

They sent some of their disciples along with some Herodians to speak to Jesus.

Note the slippery tongue:

• we know that you are truthful
• we know you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth
• we know you do not court anyone’s favor
• we know you show no partiality

These things they knew to be true..or professed to know.
They pretended to be sincere.
They wanted to trip Him on His words so as to arrest Him and take Him before the governor - earthly government.

Yet, they refuse to believe.

Do not be surprised when satan seeks to trip us up with Truth.
He did so constantly with Jesus.

Then, the question.

Do we pay taxes to Caesar or not?

Jesus knew the evil intention of their heart.

It is not that the question was evil.
It is not that the answer is evil.
The motivation of the heart was evil.

Jesus called them what they were...what they still are - “hypocrites”.

You read the account.

Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.
Give to God what is God’s.

Do not make that which is Caesar’s your god.