Exploring the Scripture

In today’s passage, an unlikely coalition of Pharisees and Herodians try to force Jesus to answer a yes-or-no question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” (v. 17). No matter which response he chooses, Jesus will be in trouble. Rather than becoming entangled in their web of trickery, Jesus asks for a coin and shows it to them. “Whose head is this, and whose title?” (v. 20) he asks. When they respond that it is the emperor’s, Jesus declares, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (v. 21).

As onlookers to this exchange, it is important to move beyond the tendency to think this passage is only about politics and how Christians should interact with governments. While the story also shows Jesus’ ability to outwit the Pharisees’ malicious intent, we need to go deeper. Jesus is asking them, and us, to distinguish between a government’s jurisdiction and God’s jurisdiction. To whom do we belong? In whatever area we find ourselves—political, social, religious, or economic—we belong to God. All that we have and are come from a generous God.

Jesus’ response does not solve the problem, he simply moves the discussion to a different realm—God’s. Daily, we face the struggle of placing God at the center of our living, ahead of worldly priorities. Our call as disciples is to make God the priority in our lives. God generously gives to us the many blessings we have in our lives. We receive those blessings and respond with thanksgiving and service to others. Giving thanks for what we have, recognizing God’s presence in our lives and God’s blessings among us helps us gain focus for what is important, the kingdom of God.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. We belong to God.
2. All that we are and have come from a generous God.
3. When faced with worldly priorities, disciples of Jesus are called to place God at the center of living—top priority!
4. As we consider what is God’s, the greatness of God’s generosity is so humbling that we respond with thanksgiving and service to others.

Questions to Consider

1. What takes precedence in your life?
2. How does being aware of God’s generosity influence your decisions?
3. To whom do we belong?
4. Are there ways to make this passage relevant to children and youth in your congregation?