Daily Word Of God
Matthew 22:15-21
The Pharisees went away to work out between them how to trap Jesus in what he said. And they sent their disciples to him, together with some Herodians, to say, ‘Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in all honesty, and that you are not afraid of anyone, because human rank means nothing to you. Give us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’
But Jesus was aware of their malice and replied, ‘You hypocrites! Why are you putting me to the test? Show me the money you pay the tax with.’ They handed him a denarius, and he said, ‘Whose portrait is this? Whose title?’
They replied, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Very well, pay Caesar what belongs to Caesar — and God what belongs to God.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- ‘Pay Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and God what belongs to God.’ What response do these words of Jesus evoke within me?
- Our life of faith and our secular responsibilities are distinct, but inseparable; they challenge each other. How does my relationship to God shape the way I relate to the world and vice versa?
- Is God challenging me to fulfill both my religious and secular responsibilities authentically? In which area do I need to concentrate?