Matthew 22:15-22
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s passage tension continues to build between Jesus and the religious authorities. Read Matthew 22:15-22 taking note of anything the stands out as you read.
As we’ve noted before, the Pharisees actually wanted to see the restoration of the kingdom of Israel – the problem was that they were looking for the wrong kind of kingdom. The Herodians (supporters of Herod) on the other hand were mainly interested in a political overthrow of the Roman government. But despite their gaping differences, the two groups now eagerly join forces to lay a trap for Jesus as they present a question for which the obvious answers will anger either the Jews or the Romans. Apparently they haven’t realized that Jesus always sees beyond the obvious.
What the tricksters fail to remember is that if the Israelites had remained true to God, there would be no Roman occupation and therefore no question about the validity of giving tribute to Caesar. It was Israel’s long-standing rebellion against God’s good and perfect ways that landed them in the position of paying taxes to a foreign oppressor in the first place.
Stop to think about this. Is it possible that we often feel trapped or injured by our circumstances but fail to see how we have contributed to the situation? Share your thoughts with Jesus.
Read Matthew 22:15-22 again taking time to really “hear” what Jesus says.
Jesus’ response in this passage gives us a lens for evaluating everything we have and everything we do. Money is temporal as are our economic and government systems, and they cannot take a place of primary importance in our lives. The only things of eternal value are people. Of all creation, we alone have been stamped with the image of God. The things of the earth will all pass away, but we belong to God.
Take some time to sit in the presence of God while you contemplate being created in God’s image. When you are ready consider the following questions:
How does this change the way you view yourself? How might this change the way you view other people? How might this change the way you think about the systems that govern our lives?
Is there anything in particular that you sense Jesus saying to you today?
How do you intend to respond?
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