By Carla Long, member of the Presiding Bishopric

Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They 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.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

In Matthew 22:15–22, we find the Pharisees and the Herodians attempting to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus, seeing the question for what it was, asks for a denarius and inquires whose image it bears. When they reply, “Caesar’s,” he famously responds, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

This passage offers profound insight into the nature of scarcity and abundance. The denarius, a symbol of earthly wealth, represents the limited resources of this world. We often find ourselves entangled in the anxiety of scarcity—worrying about money, possessions, and the material aspects of our lives. These concerns can dominate our thoughts and dictate our actions, leading us to forget the boundless abundance found in God’s kingdom.

Jesus’ response redirects our focus from the temporal to the divine. While we are called to responsibly manage our earthly resources, our true wealth is found in our relationship with God. The abundance of God’s love, grace, and mercy far surpasses any material wealth. When we remember and realize that we are created in God’s image, we understand that our value is not measured by worldly standards but by God’s divine purpose for our lives.

In moments of doubt or worry about scarcity, we can draw strength from the assurance that God provides for our every need. By trusting in God’s provision and prioritizing our spiritual well-being, we can experience the abundance of God’s kingdom, even in the midst of earthly challenges. Living a life of abundance can mean that we allow those blessings to flow in and through us, reaching our hearts as well as others’ hearts in a full circle of love and support.

Let us render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, but more importantly, let us render unto God what is God’s—our hearts, our trust, and our devotion.

Prayer Phrase

“Let us work for the good of all” (Galatians 6:10).

Spiritual Hunger

Jesus discerned hungers of body and spirit, and he fed them through a physical, verbal, spiritual ministry of presence. In a time of listening prayer, ask God to help you discern physical or spiritual hungers of people in your congregation, community, and global family. Invite the Spirit to move you to one hospitable act that “feeds” someone’s hunger today.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.