Matthew 22:19-21 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." English Standard Version (ESV)
The Pharisee's were constantly trying to trick and trap Jesus in order to bring Him down in front of "the people". Time and time again they think they have Him and He turns the tables on them. The fact that they did this and asked those questions proved that they were not followers.
The verb in verse 21 "render" involves settling a debt, paying back what is owed or returning something to it's rightful owner. Part of His answer is to give the government its due. It is worth noting that the Pharisee's were against the use of the Roman coins because of the inscription and face of Caesar on it. Yet they (or their followers) had no problem producing it, pulling it out of their pockets as it were at Jesus request to show it. The government provides services and our taxes are supporting that. Enough said.
The greater part of His answer is that as true followers we are to give God, to give Jesus what is rightfully due to Him. This involves our worship, our praise and our Christian service. This is no limited or set amount. Our lives are to be an offering, a blank check as it were, letting God fill in the amount and following through on His requests. People have asked "what is the minimum I can give to fulfill the requirements. That too is an improper question. The proper response is that we give with generosity, with the worship, love and service of our whole lives.
I was reminded of an old hymn "Give of Your Best to the Master" and have posted one of the stanzas. May we be willing to give Him first place in our heart and service, consecrating every part of our lives.
Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart.
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave.
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.
Give Him first place in your heart.
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave.
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.
Matthew 22:19-21
The Message (MSG)
18-19 Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, "Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? Do you have a coin? Let me see it." They handed him a silver piece.
20 "This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?"
21 They said, "Caesar."
"Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his."
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