Matthew 22:15-22
15 The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap [Jesus] in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality. 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 are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” 21 They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard this, they were amazed, and they left him and went away.
There is irony in the reality that Matthew’s gospel tells us about the attempt of the devout Jewish elite plot and entrap Jesus. Because this is the only Gospel that seeks to primarily portray Jesus as the promised Jewish Messiah, the royal Son of David, and the ultimate authoritative teacher who fulfills Old Testament prophecies.
But still, Jesus does not fall victim to their plot of entrapment and calls out their malicious intent. He flips their challenge on its head (pun intended) by using coins to teach them an important lesson. The community of God has no interest in stealing from the community devoted to Caesar (in the sense that Caesar was regarded as more than their leader, in fact as a god.)
God doesn’t need God’s head on coin to rule in God’s kingdom, God’s community. God doesn’t need to control the markets and currencies in God’s favor to win control. God doesn’t need to exercise taxes to advance the kingdom of God. Instead, God uses the witness of the Word of God to bring light and salvation to the world. Talk about a currency that never loses its value.
– Pr. Kyle
Almighty God, teach us how to stay faithful and to devoted to your kingdom of love and mercy. Help us distinguish what belongs to the kingdoms of this world, and what belongs to you, namely our hearts. Amen.