Do the Right Thing

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Scripture: Luke 20:21-26 (ESV)

Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” 25 He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 26 And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer, they became silent.

Devotion:

The Pharisees and the Herodians tried to trap Jesus with a tricky question. They asked him whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, the Roman emperor who ruled over Israel. If Jesus said yes, he would anger the Jews who hated the Roman occupation. He would be accused of rebellion against the government if he said no. Either way, they hoped to discredit him and make him lose his popularity among the people.

But Jesus, in his wisdom, was not fooled by their hypocrisy. He asked them to show him a coin and tell him whose image and inscription it bore. They answered, 'Caesar's.' Then Jesus gave them a brilliant reply: 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.' In this, he exposed their false dilemma and taught them a profound lesson about their dual citizenship, enlightening them with a deeper understanding.

As followers of Christ, we also have a dual citizenship. We belong to the kingdom of God, but we also live in this world. We have responsibilities and obligations to both realms. We are called to respect and obey the authorities that God has placed over us, as long as they do not contradict his will. We are also called to honor and worship God with all that we are and have, as he is the ultimate source and owner of everything.

Jesus' answer challenges us to examine our hearts and priorities. It prompts us to ask ourselves: are we giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God? Are we faithful in paying our taxes, obeying the laws, and praying for our leaders? Are we also faithful in tithing, serving, and glorifying God with our time, talents, and treasures? Are we living as good citizens of both heaven and earth? This introspection is crucial for our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.

Let us pray that God will give us wisdom and grace to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.

Prayer:

            Lord, help us to be wise and filled with grace so that we may obey Jesus's words in this passage. Increase, O Lord, our understanding, and teach us how to live out this saying. Grant us a willingness to obey you in all things. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

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