Give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 22:15-22. In this Scripture the Pharisees were questioning Jesus hoping He would give them an answer that would turn into an accusation against him. They asked him, “Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?”
Jesus caught onto what they were trying to do and asked them why they were tempting Him. In Roman times according to the census there was a yearly property tax that was to be paid by individuals who owned property. Does this sound familiar?
Then He told them to show Him the tribute money. The tribute money was the money with which the taxes were to be paid. He asked them whose picture and inscription was on the money. They told Him that it was Caesar’s. He told them to render or give to Caesar that which was Caesar’s and to God that which was God’s. They were astonished by Jesus’ answer and went on their way. Of course, they would be back with more questions because they were looking for a reason to accuse him.
Caesar is referring to the Roman emperor of their day. He was their government authority. It is our duty as citizens to pay our dues. We may not like it, but we are required to do it. I know in our day and time, if you don’t pay your property taxes, your property can be taken by the government.
What was Jesus really trying to tell them? I believe He was saying as we honor the laws of God, we should honor the laws of our land. We may not always agree with the laws of the land, but we should abide by them. By doing so, we become law abiding citizens and show honor to God.
Daily Bible Reading:
Matthew 22:15-22
15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
Things to think about:
- Why were the Pharisees questioning Jesus?
- What was their question?
- What was Jesus’ response?
- How does this Scripture apply to us today?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for this Scripture where Jesus explicitly lets us know that we are to honor the laws of the land just as we honor Your laws. We are to pay tribute to our government in the same way we are to pay tribute to You. Help us to be good law abiding citizens of our country. Help us to do the things that are right, not only in our eyes, but in Your eyes. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
-Have you read: The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman
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Featured Book:
The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman
About the book:
The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the book of Matthew. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.
The Book of Matthew goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.
The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the daily Bible Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study. You will be inspired and encouraged in your walk with Christ by reading this book.
Go to: http://tinyurl.com/d2fnadb
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