Matthew 22:15-22
“15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.”
I have always thought this was pretty simple teaching from Jesus. Often we hear sermons about how Jesus said to pay your taxes. But what of the last part of verse 21? “Unto God the things that are God's.” It has always amazed me how God's people are more willing to follow Caesar than to follow God.
We witnessed this two years ago when churches closed and people let Caesar remove their religious freedom.
In our country we seem to forget that our forefathers fought against taxation without representation. Not once, but twice. Now we have exactly that. Each district in each state has representatives who do not truly represent the people who voted them into office.
Our forefathers fought to give us freedom of religion. Yet our representatives believe Caesar comes before God. The belief has filtered down to the people and even crept into the churches. People are scared of the consequences of not paying their taxes but have such little fear of God they will refuse to give to the Lord.
Just like verse 22 says “When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.” Do we not do the same today?
Whom will ye serve? God or Caesar?
Praise ye the Lord!!!
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