Oct. 18, 2020 Pentecost 20

Matt. 22:15-22 (The Message)

“15 That's when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. 16 They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod's followers mixed in, to ask, "Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don't pander to your students. 17 So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 18 Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, "Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Do you have a coin? Let me see it." They handed him a silver piece. 20 "This engraving - who does it look like? And whose name is on it?" 21 They said, "Caesar." "Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his." 22 The Pharisees were speechless. They went off shaking their heads.”

“A Loaded Question”

A loaded question is one that has more hidden then revealed.

A loaded question doesn’t deserve a straight answer.  

In fact it can’t be answered straight.

The issue at stake in this text is not simply the payment of taxes.  It is the issue of the plurality and priority of the claims on one’s life and substance.

The issue at the heart of the text is how much are we willing to struggle with our faith as “a power and passion in authority among the powers and passions of life”. (P.T. Forsyth)

How much are we willing to struggle with putting our faith into action in love.

The answer Jesus gave left them with the struggle to be responsible for their own answer.  And to determine where the hypocrisy was in their lives. (We all have it - hypocrisy - like it or not!)

Each of us have the responsibility to determine as best we can where the hypocrisy is in our lives and then work at being more genuine, more inclusive, more truly human. 

For if the image of Caesar is on the coin, then the counterpart to that which Jesus leaves unsaid, is that Gods image is on us!  All of life is to be lived in gratitude to God who created us and sustains us with His love.

“How do you know when the night is over and the day has dawned?”  an old rabbi asked his students.  “It is when you can look into the face of any man or woman and see there the face of your brother or sister.  Because, if you cannot do that , no matter how bright it is, you are still in the dark.”

Prayer thought for the week:  “Lord, open my eyes to see my brother or sister in all who pass my way.  Amen