Matthew 22:15-22 A Political Question

"Several truths were taught by Jesus:  Christians must honor and obey rulers; Christians must honor and obey God; and man bears God's image and owes God his all," my commentary said.

Two Jewish groups were enemies -- the Pharisees and the Herodians.  Pharisees hated Roman occupation of their country.  Herodians supported Herod, the ruler assigned by Rome, and they wanted to do anything necessary to keep him in power.  Jesus was their common foe, and so they chose to work together against Him; they picked the poll tax.  No matter how He answered, He'd anger someone.  Refusing to pay it would anger Rome, and requiring its payment would anger the Jews.

He knew their hearts and their plans.  Looking at a Roman coin, He asked who was portrayed on it.  "Caesar."  He then said they should give what was Caesar's (the money) to him and give what was God's (their very lives) to Him.  

Father, please help our country right now to understand these truths and to take them to heart.  We desperately need You now.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford