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
Go figure. We say "Go figure," when a story or event turns out unexpectedly. And even if we try to add up what happened, there is still something left over, or surprising, that is beyond our grasp. Often, there is a reversal of fortune. Sometimes, people's actions simply surprise us.
In the Gospel lesson, the Pharisees plot to entrap Jesus with a trick question about taxes and religion. Yet, they won't go themselves, but send "disciples" to do their dirty work. And who actually has a coin of the realm in their pocket? Not Jesus, but the self-righteous questioners. And when is an answer, not an answer? How about: "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." A story that begins with intrigue and a question about the limits of civic responsibility ends up being a story about life under God's sovereign reign. Go figure.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your gracious rule that encompasses all of life and surprises me with new perspectives. Amen.