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The Pharisees conspire against Jesus and even join forces with some bitter enemies—the supporters of King Herod—to "trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested" (v. 15). But Jesus turns their trick question about taxes due to Caesar into an answer about what's most important in life. Yes, Jesus says, let the man whose image is on the coin have his cut. But then he delivers the knockout punch: "give to God what belongs to God" (v. 21). As God's unique creations—bearers of his image—we belong to God. The undeniable implication: every decision we make, political or otherwise, should be submitted to the will of One who made us in his image.

Key Study Passage:

Matthew 22:15-22

1. When it comes to politics, why do you think Christians, who follow the same Savior and Lord, can hold such varied and even contradictory convictions and opinions?
2. Imagine you're in a political discussion with two other Christians—one a committed Democrat and the other a committed Republican. How could Jesus' words in verse 21 bring light rather than heat to the discussion?
3. List three to five of your most important personal convictions—political and/or otherwise. What Bible verses or Christian principles can you cite that support each conviction?
4. Over the next few days, ask three or four Christians you respect how they practically seek to "give to God what belongs to God."

Spend Time in Prayer: Ask God to help you filter your personal convictions through biblical truth; express your desire to submit all of your convictions and opinions to your Lord and Savior.

Matthew 22:15-22

Taxes for Caesar

15 Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. 16 They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. "Teacher," they said, "we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don't play favorites. 17 Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. "You hypocrites!" he said. "Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Here, show me the coin used for the tax." When they handed him a Roman coin, 20 he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?"

21 "Caesar's," they replied.

"Well, then," he said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God."

22 His reply amazed them, and they went away.

Copyright © 2012 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Father, give me a clearer and deepened understanding of what Jesus meant by "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God" (Matt. 22:21).

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