Matthew 22:15-22 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 22:15-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. Verse 16So 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. Verse 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" Verse 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Verse 19Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. Verse 20Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" Verse 21They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." Verse 22When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
Devotion
In the time and culture of this passage, there was no separation of religion and politics. Not unlike in our time, problems arose when it came down to the question of whose religion and whose politics. Yet Jesus seems to imply a separation; that some things belong to “Caesar” and other things belong to God. Not all political structures work the will of God, but neither do all religious institutions. It seems we are given the freedom to discern this on our own. We can, however, rest in the assurance that the ultimate authority belongs to God, even as he graciously works through frail human means of running the world–religious or secular-to work his will.
Prayer
Lord, help me to see and trust where you are truly at work in the world. Amen.