I love it when Jesus turns things around on those trying to test Him.

In our Scripture today, Pharisees are trying, once again, to trap Jesus. (Will they never learn?!)

[Jesus] said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Matthew 22:21b

He calls them hypocrites and then answers their question in the most Boss way; by answering and simultaneously pointing out their hypocrisy!

Man, that burn’s gotta sting!

They ask if it is lawful to pay taxes to Ceasar. If Jesus says “yes,” then He is advocating for a power and leader other than the Lord. If He says, “no,” He runs afoul of the Romans and the law.

“Render to Caesar the things that are Ceasar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21b).

Yes, pay your taxes, but do not neglect the weightier matter of rendering all things that are meant for God, like all glory, all worship, all praise, all devotion, all obedience, all honor, all love, all things! All! That’s what is God’s! That’s what the Pharisees who are trying to trap Jesus owes God – and they know it (and aren’t doing it)!

Hypocrites!

The taxes to Caesar may be earthly dictated for a time. Ok. The things to be rendered to God are for all believers for all time!

So, then, the question is before us: “what are you rendering to the Lord?” Are you trying to sidestep your duties to God by feigning needs outside of Him? “I can’t give monetarily to His Church because I don’t have enough.” “I can’t volunteer my time to serve Him or others because I’m too busy as it is.” “I can’t use my talents for His purposes because I am wiped from using them in my job and at home.”

Hypocrites!

Everything you have, everything you are, everything you do is a gift from God. He is the reason for all of it!

But much more than that is the fact that God has rendered to you and me forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus!

I mean, really; what is better than that?! (Nothing, BTW!)

So I ask you again: what will you render in thankful response to all that from God?!

Nothing we can render can change what He has given to us. Nothing we can render can out do what He has given to us. Nothing.

But we can try, in joy! We can render our very heart, because it is full of thanksgiving! And when He has our hearts (which is what He really wants), we will not be hypocrites, but will be acceptable, letting all things flow freely!

Rend your hearts, knowing what Jesus has rendered to you – salvation in His love!

“Lord, take my heart and lead me, move me, use me; take everything I am, everything I have, all I value, for I am Yours! Thank You for giving me all things through the Cross and empty Tomb and remind me that You provide for all my needs every day, so there is nothing to fear, for You are with me. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’ precious Name do we pray. Amen!”

Scripture

  • Matthew 22:15-22
  • Psalm 96:1-9 (responsory)