King Jesus | February 4, 2024

 

+ Read Scripture

Matthew 22:15-22

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 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. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" 21 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." 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

Talk Sheet Questions

  1. Have you ever had a bad attitude about taxes? Explain.

  2. What makes this question such a good trap for Jesus?

  3. Could you ask a similar “trap” question today? What would it be?

  4. Would you rather have the Roman Empire or the USA for your government? Explain. How does that change your appreciation of Jesus’ dilemma?

  5. What does the second part of Jesus’ answer add? What is Jesus highlighting that goes beyond their question? Explain.

Prayer

Pray that we would submit to God and that our relationship with Caesar would reflect well on Jesus.

 
 
Scott Reavely