Matthew 22:15-22 “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” Pastor Sarah spoke today about the question posed to Jesus by the Pharisees and Herodians. Once again, they expected to trap him into offending the leaders of Rome.
If he agreed that taxes were lawful, he would offend those who were burdened by taxes; however, if he spoke out against the tax, word would soon reach Rome with serious consequences. When he asked to see the coin, he saw the face of Caesar and said, “Whose face is this and whose title?” They answered, “Caesar, the emperor.” Jesus said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Jesus response pointed out that we answer to different authorities. He knew that there were authorities that people are forced to follow. Those authorities placed control over people’s lives. Caesar’s system was oppressive and completely unlike the authority of God. Caesar should get back what he was due and God will reign forever.
The Pharisees did not understand that we all belong to God. We have human obligations that create winners and losers, but God always rises above our human systems.
Our church mission in PCUSA is to live in God’s Grace as we respond to those who are hungry and live in poverty. We need to join together in changing unjust systems that keep human lives as collateral. Our church goal is to be an extension of Christ and to have enough strength to “mess with stuff that doesn’t work.”
We all have obligations, just like those in Jesus time. We pay our taxes and we answer to authority, but Jesus taught us that with God there no losers. God rules over everything and everyone, and Grace will keep us safe. Amen