Give

They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
Matthew 22:21 KJV

The Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus into saying something worthy of a capital offence. They themselves didn’t have the power of the death penalty, only the Roman occupiers. So they tried to get Jesus to say something that could be construed as treason against the Romans.

They asked Him if they should pay taxes. If He said yes, He would lose popularity with the rebellious Jewish people. If He said no, He would be guilty of treason against the Romans. But Jesus never sought out popularity for Himself.

Jesus called for a coin and asked whose image was on it. Caesar’s of course. So He commanded that we give Caesar what is his. In my case as a UK citizen, I have to give to the Queen what is her due, as our pounds sterling have her inscription on.

But Jesus didn’t stop there. If we have to give Caesar what is his due, then we most certainly have to give God what is His due. If we owe Caesar money, we owe God our very lives. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him.

Dear Lord, may I willingly pay my taxes, but also give my everything to You who has given everything to me. For the glory of Your name, amen”

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