Daily Devotion for December 9, 2005

RENDER TO GOD

 

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.  Matthew 22:15

 

In the reading from Matthew, the Pharisees plotted to entrap Jesus  in what he said: “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” They brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?”
“Caesar” they answered. Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar that which Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed.

 

I love this story. This was no mealy-mouth Jesus, speaking in stories with obscure meanings. There are many layers of meaning that could be pulled from it, but the obvious meaning is beautiful. Jesus knows exactly what the Pharisees are trying to do, and he knows that if they can trick him, they will do him harm. He lets them know that he understands what they are trying to do, and that they have not fooled him even a little bit with their attempt at flattery. He calls them what they know themselves to be. Even at that, he catches them off guard by asking for a coin. Rulers in the ancient world always put their profile on the coin of the realm. Render this coin to Caesar when he taxes you; it has come from him, and you have benefited from Roman civilization. This has nothing to do with God. Render to God that which is from God: your heart, your mind, and your spirit. And most importantly, do not confuse the two.

 

Prayer
Heavenly Father, you created me, and you own me.  Help me release myself into your care – help me render myself to you.  Amen

 

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