Matthew 22:22 reads, “When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.” Those leaders were amazing. They kept getting beat and they kept coming back for more. Jesus landed devastating blows

and they crawled back to try again. Why would they do that? They refused to change their sinful ways, so they had to destroy the messenger! Look at Matthew 22:15-22. First, Jesus was the target of a clever trap—“What do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (v. 17) Just a simple, innocent question, but a trick. Answering “No” was treason against Rome; and “Yes” would cause Him to lose the people. Second, Jesus saw the trap immediately—“But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, ‘Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.’ So they brought Him a denarius.” (vv. 18-19) Jesus saw through the trap and revealed their hypocrisy. He defused their bomb and sent them home empty-handed. They had no idea who they were dealing with in messing with Jesus. Third, Jesus disarmed the trap with wisdom—“He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” (v. 21) Caesar’s image was stamped on the coin; God’s image is stamped on the person. Christians are called to pay obedience to this world’s authority. But the things of God don’t belong to the world and should only be given to God. Earthly authority is legitimate unless it contradicts God’s authority. Jesus gave no offense—He just evaded their trap, and left them soundly reproved for their trickery. Christianity is no enemy to civil government, but a friend. Yet be ready to obey God rather than men if a conflict occurs between authorities. Who gets your allegiance? the world? the Lord? It is obvious by the way you prioritize your life: who gets you when a choice is made?

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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