Joel M Bradshaw

15Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 

18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.–Matthew 22

1. The Pharisees and the Herodians were not known to work together.
2. They really wanted to trap Jesus!
3. The trap was if they could get Jesus saying, “Don’t pay taxes,” then He would become Rome’s problem.
4. Jesus, of course, saw through all of this.
5. His simple point is that there are two owners of your existence: Caesar and God.
6. Obviously, pay your taxes. Be blessing to those around you. Love your neighbor. Let your light shine. If Jesus could give to Caesar, you can be a good citizen.
7. But the things of God? What part of your life doesn’t belong to God? Let’s start with your thoughts, your feelings, your motivations, your attitudes, your words, and your deeds. Give to God those things.–JMB