Consider the Word, October 15, 2020

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Printable Version

Readings: 
• Exodus 33:12-23
• Psalm 99
• 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
• Matthew 22:15-22

Collect

Almighty and everliving God,

increase in us your gift of faith,

that forsaking what lies behind

and reaching out to what is before,

we may run the way of your commandments

and win the crown of everlasting joy;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading: Matthew 22:15-22

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. 

Reflection Questions
• Why are we not supposed to talk about money, politics, and religion?
• What does it mean to give to Caesar and to God (to separate religion and politics)? 

Closing Prayer

You know each of us by name, O God,

and in your sight we have found favor,

yet our minds cannot comprehend the vision of your glory

or the vastness of your love.

Grant that as we glimpse your greatness,

reflected in your many gifts,

we may always return to you

the praise that is yours alone.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Message: Matthew 22:15-22
Paying Taxes

15-17 That’s when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. 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. So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

18-19 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? 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.

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson