November 12, 2023 Trinity 23 The Sunday of Rendering to Caesar and to God
(No audio available this Sunday.)
Trinity 23
Matthew 22:15-21
November 9, 2023
“The Things That Are God’s”
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
It’s only money. It’s just money. “Jesus, is it ok for us to pay taxes to our government?” Wouldn’t part of you love it if He said, “No way! That’s your money. Don’t give it to the government!” But He doesn’t say that, does He? He holds up a coin to them and says, “Whose face is on this money? Caesar? Ben Franklin? The government’s face? Then it’s only money. Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. Pay your taxes.”
It’s only money. That’s the first part of Jesus’ answer. Calm down and pay your taxes. God puts the government there for a reason. So do your duty under the government. But the second part of Jesus answer is much bigger, “Life isn’t only money. Life is much more than just money. Give to God all the things that are God’s.”
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