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
Tell us then what you think. Really? Do they really want to know? Of course not! They came with deceit and malice in their hearts as they strove to incriminate Jesus so they could stop him from sharing his thoughts on faith and life. Do we actually want to hear the answer when we ask someone, "How are you today?" Are we ready to respond if they answer with something other than "fine" and go on with their day?
Jesus calls you and me to be engaged with those around us—to truly interact and become involved in the lives of those we know and meet, so that we may become part of their lives as a new community in Christ. But this means possible risk. Is it going to take time that we do not think we have? Will it open us to be vulnerable in our relationships? Will God be present in our lives? Yes, and much more good news than we ever expected.
Prayer
God of Trinity, God of relationship, we ask you to be present with us in our daily lives as we struggle with being engaged and involved in the lives around us. Free us from superficiality and strengthen us to become vulnerable as we strive to love. Amen.