Matthew 22:15-22 (ESV)
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his talk. [16] And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. [17] Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" [18] But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? [19] Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. [20] And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" [21] They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." [22] When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
Questions
1. What qualities mark a person of integrity?
2. How did Jesus respond to all the false adulation He received in this incident?
3. What do you think Jesus called us to do when He said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s”?
4. What responsibilities do you have to the government?
5. What might be the first step in better living up to your obligations as a citizen of God’s kingdom?
This Week the 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is being held in Minneapolis from July 3-10, 2010. Here is a link to see what all is going on.
http://ga219.pcusa.org/
