This sermon explores the balance between fulfilling our earthly responsibilities and maintaining our spiritual identity, using Jesus' teachings on paying taxes as a guide.
Jesus was obviously an amazing teacher and rabbi. Throughout the course of his ministry I imagine that he answered thousands of questions about God, the law, and living a life of faith. But near the end of His earthly ministry, some questions came with ulterior motives. Many of those asking were seeking to trap Jesus in order to bring shame and disgrace upon Him. Ultimately, they wanted Him to go away, and stop causing trouble for them.
In today’s passage the question arises about paying taxes… Which would have put Jesus in a really tough spot between Rome, the Jews, and His disciples. How could He possibly answer their question this time without ending up in trouble with at least one of these groups. But, true to form, Jesus is able to answer them without causing further division between Him and the people. In fact, what ends up happening is that He further infuriates His potential accusers, who continue to find it impossible to trap Him.
Jesus could see their false motives coming a mile away… And yet, He still answers their question and points the people back to righteousness. It’s a master class in diplomacy and discipleship. Who knew a question about paying taxes could lead to such a deeper learning about identity, responsibility, and living in the world without being of the world.
On some level, this is what happens when you try to trap the Son of God in issues of justice, righteousness, and social responsibility.
As I already mentioned, the religious leaders around Jesus near the end of His life were seeking ways to get rid of Him. He was causing too much of a disturbance and gaining too large of a following for them. So they were constantly scheming on ways to dishonor Jesus. Our passage today begins with a new scheme; Read Matthew 22:15.
The Pharisees, “laid a plan to trap Him in His own words ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium
Jesus was causing trouble for lots of people in power, and it’s in large part due to the fact that He never wavered from His identity and purpose.
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