Daily Bread

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Give to God What is God's

Date: Nov. 14, 2015

Passage

Matthew 22:15-22

Paying Taxes to Caesar

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And 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. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They 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.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

Key Verse: Matthew 22:21b

21 They 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.”

First, is it right to pay taxes? (15-20). This is an age old question and the Pharisees were using it as a trap for Jesus. If he said, "No," they could have him charged with treason against Caesar, and if he said, "Yes," they could brand him as a traitor to the Jewish nation. They thought that either way they had him.

Second, give to God what is God's (21-22). Jesus called them hypocrites and asked to be shown a coin. He asked them whose inscription was on it and they replied, "Caesar's." The Roman coins had the image of Caesar. So we pay taxes as a civil duty. But God's image was imprinted in us and God is Creator. Jesus died for our salvation. We give ourselves to God out of thanks and our deep love for him.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me in your image, and for restoring your image when I sinned. Help me to honor and worship you alone.

One Word: Give to God what is God's

God is Our Deliverer

Psalm 78:40-72

Key Verse: 78:65

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
like a strong man shouting because of wine.

Today's Question

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