10/25/2026
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.” ~ Matthew 22:15-22 ESV
I can remember about 10 years or so ago I was staying at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas and the water in the mini fridge was $10. My first thought was “render to Caesar that which is Caesar’s”. Which isn’t what Jesus meant at all. But it struck me as funny at the time.
Anyway, we have a lot to cover here. The Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus with this question. They were still mad about the last two parables we covered (the tenants, the wedding feast). They wanted him to commit blasphemy.
And the Herodians were Jewish but they had placed the Roman emperor ahead of God. They were looking for Jesus to say something that Rome could punish.
What Jesus does is brilliant (of course). He essentially lays the foundation for a separation of church and state. Use Roman money to pay Roman taxes. But the heart and soul that were created by God? Use those to pay tribute to Him.
Jesus words still hold true for us today. They serve as a caution to be sure. We have to remain vigilant that we don’t fall into the trap of the Herodians. While we owe taxes to our government, our primary loyalty must remain with God. We also have to avoid the behaviors of the Pharisees, who have so deeply twisted their religion that it no longer resembles the truths God gave them. It’s why we see so many prophets in the Old Testament warning the religious leaders of their mistakes.
Jesus came to save us from all that. And from all our other sins as well. If you are curious about Jesus, I’d love to visit with you. If you already believe, then keep spreading the good news.
Drive thru is open 8:00-1:00. Have a blessed Sunday!
