Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Give unto God what is God’s.

Matthew 22:15-23
v21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Jesus entered Jerusalem and had completed the triumphant Hosanna and the cleansing of the temple.  Wherever Jesus went, Pharisees were also with Him trying to trap Him one way or other. This time, they also came with Herodians who were entirely opposite to the teachings and practices of the Pharisees. While Herodians were those who supported King Herod who was in alliance with the Roman Empire, Pharisees were entirely opposites to Herodians and considered it as a sin having anything to do with anyone who has any alliance with Roman Empire.  That is the primary reason the Pharisees hated tax collectors and considered them as sinners. Yet here Pharisees and Herodians came together to trap Jesus and asked the question, “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” (NIV).
They were hoping for a yes or no answer. If the answer was no, then they could easily bring Him to the authorities with charges of tax revolt. If the answer was yes, then Jesus would be considered as an enemy of the people of Israel since He sided with the Roman Government. Therefore, they were sure that Jesus would fall under their trap. But Jesus instead asked them to show Him a coin with which taxes were to be paid. Lifting the coin, He asked them whose image and inscription are on the coin. They answered Caesars. Jesus replied, “Then give unto Caesar, what is Caesar’s.” They almost thought they had Him. But giving them no time to satisfy themselves, Jesus continued, and to God what is God’s.”  
The Pharisees very well knew that if the image and inscription on the coin is that of Caesar, the image and inscription of them and all human beings are that of God. They as experts in Torah were amazed at the answer of Jesus and left him.
As we are entering the passion week and remembering the passion of Jesus, we are reminded that we are created in the image of God and that our lives are to be a living sacrifice to God  as Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship.” (NIV)    

PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding us that You are the Creator who created us in Your image. Enable us always to remember that we keep Your image as Holy and sacred and to give ourselves to you and for Your glory. Amen
                                                
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
We are created in the Image of God and let us submit ourselves for God’s Glory.
 
             P.T. Thomas,
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church NY.


Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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