Today’s reading is question number 2 in a series of 4. You may recall the leaders and teachers of the law tried to trap Jesus in a previous passage when it came to authority. Jesus quickly turned that around. Now they send others to pose question number two. We see supporters of Herod here, so possibly government officials.
As a bit of historical background, you may recall at the time there were uprisings and disputes with paying taxes. Tax collectors were often thieves. So the question of lawfulness, posed to Jesus here, is quite pointed for the time. Note that Jesus never said “pay”. Jesus again displays a teachable moment.
I wouldn’t expect anything less from Jesus than pure tact and wisdom. We should take a cue from this in our own dealings. He doesn’t simply tell us what we ought to do, but he suggests how we ought to think about our decision.
I read something recently that said our problem today is that we don’t listen to understand, we listen to respond. Think about the last conversation you had. Were you listening for understanding, or were you listening and computing the response in your head the whole time? I know I’m guilty of the latter and really hate to admit that. My husband, on the other hand, is much more the understanding guy.
Here Jesus was quick to respond, but he first listened to understand. What did he mean when he said, “give to God what belongs to God?” Everything belongs to God–creation, money, us, everything. We need to be ready to give ourselves to God. That is what he desires. How are you doing at giving God what belongs to him?
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you this reminder and wisdom. I and everything around me belongs to you. Help me remember that and not be so ready to cling to things. May my heart be clean and ready for you. Thank you that you give me ears to listen for understanding first. Help me to work on that. Thank you for the excitement you have placed inside me to share your word with others. Bless my friends and family this day and all those who are suffering and mourning around the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
