20-22 Watching for a chance to get him, they sent spies who posed as honest inquirers, hoping to trick him into saying something that would get him in trouble with the law. So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you’re honest and straightforward when you teach, that you don’t pander to anyone but teach the way of God accurately. Tell us: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23-24 He knew they were laying for him and said, “Show me a coin. Now, this engraving, who does it look like and what does it say?”
25 “Caesar,” they said.
Jesus said, “Then give Caesar what is his and give God what is his.”
26 Try as they might, they couldn’t trap him into saying anything incriminating. His answer caught them off guard and left them speechless.
Give Caesar what is Caesar's and give God what is God's. Jesus is the Son of God but he still respected the government instituted by God on earth in this age. He builds up the everlasting Kingdom that is not founded on fleshly weapons but by the spiritual weapons of the Spirit. He is the King of the Kingdom whose people are regenerated by the power of the Spirit through the preaching of the gospel. We disciples live in this age, ruled by the earthly Caesar, submit to the laws of this world, but the essential of our life is to be absolutely loyal and faithful to our Master Jesus who is the King of the coming Kingdom of God. Our everlasting status comes from God's Kingdom, our ultimate loyalty must be to Jesus, our weapons to fight against the enemy and bring people into this Kingdom also come from the power of the Holy Spirit, and the destiny of our life is to fulfill God's plan and not our self-ego.
My Master Jesus, I surrender my life to You and I offer all you have given to me back to you. I give Jesus what is Jesus'. May I satisfy in your presence and love as I walk and work with you today and for the times to come.
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