Luke 20, Part 3

Scripture: Luke 20:20-26

Observation: The chief priests decided there must be another way to catch Jesus, so they sent spies to question and try to trick Him into saying something that would anger the crowds. The question they asked was political: "Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" In essence they were asking Jesus if He was faithful to Rome or Israel. If Rome, the Jews would turn on Him. If Israel, they'd turn Him over to the authorities. Jesus asks them to show Him a denarius (a coin equal to one day's pay). He asks who's face and inscription is on the coin; it is Caesar's. "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." His answer is such that He avoids the trap and the spies are left speechless.

Application: Jesus was not a political revolutionary. He came to do the work of His Father. Yet He recognized the right of the governments to exist and be supported by the people. We are to give to the government that which they have the right to receive, just as we give God what rightly belongs to Him.

Prayer: Father, I pray right now for our government officials, the men and women You have placed in authority. They have a huge responsibility, not only to the people of this country but also to You. I pray You would give them wisdom and understanding, that they may do their work honorably, and that they would see the needs of the people and work towards Biblical solutions. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.