I love it when Jesus turns things around on those trying to test Him.
In our Scripture today, Pharisees are trying, once again, to trap Jesus. (Will they never learn?!)
[Jesus] said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Matthew 22:21b
He calls them hypocrites and then answers their question in the most Boss way; by answering and simultaneously pointing out their hypocrisy!
Man, that burn’s gotta sting!
They ask if it is lawful to pay taxes to Ceasar. If Jesus says “yes,” then He is advocating for a power and leader other than the Lord. If He says, “no,” He runs afoul of the Romans and the law.
“Render to Caesar the things that are Ceasar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21b).
Yes, pay your taxes, but do not neglect the weightier matter of rendering all things that are meant for God, like all glory, all worship, all praise, all devotion, all obedience, all honor, all love, all things! All! That’s what is God’s! That’s what the Pharisees who are trying to trap Jesus owes God – and they know it (and aren’t doing it)!
Hypocrites!
The taxes to Caesar may be earthly dictated for a time. Ok. The things to be rendered to God are for all believers for all time!
So, then, the question is before us: “what are you rendering to the Lord?” Are you trying to sidestep your duties to God by feigning needs outside of Him? “I can’t give monetarily to His Church because I don’t have enough.” “I can’t volunteer my time to serve Him or others because I’m too busy as it is.” “I can’t use my talents for His purposes because I am wiped from using them in my job and at home.”
Hypocrites!
Everything you have, everything you are, everything you do is a gift from God. He is the reason for all of it!
But much more than that is the fact that God has rendered to you and me forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus!
I mean, really; what is better than that?! (Nothing, BTW!)
So I ask you again: what will you render in thankful response to all that from God?!
Nothing we can render can change what He has given to us. Nothing we can render can out do what He has given to us. Nothing.
But we can try, in joy! We can render our very heart, because it is full of thanksgiving! And when He has our hearts (which is what He really wants), we will not be hypocrites, but will be acceptable, letting all things flow freely!
Rend your hearts, knowing what Jesus has rendered to you – salvation in His love!
“Lord, take my heart and lead me, move me, use me; take everything I am, everything I have, all I value, for I am Yours! Thank You for giving me all things through the Cross and empty Tomb and remind me that You provide for all my needs every day, so there is nothing to fear, for You are with me. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’ precious Name do we pray. Amen!”
It is quite amazing to listen to Christians who know so many things through Scripture and faith, but their vocabulary, conversations, and daily living belie a different belief system that causes struggle.
Case in point: So many times it is difficult to see a difference in the way a Christian and non-Christian speaks of worry or anxiety. Both seem to vocalize things the same way.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
In a similar vein, Christians seem to struggle with rejoicing always and giving thanks in all circumstances.
And how many times do we, as Christians, struggle with contentment in the same way as unbelievers?
It’s really quite shameful. It’s as if we don’t really know the Scriptures (or have trouble believing them).
This, even though, we know what God says in passages like today’s Scriptures (Philippians 4:4-13), and we have seen Him be faithful throughout our lives and all of history!
God’s track record is perfect!
And yet, we doubt. And yet, we do not rejoice. And yet, we are anxious. And yet, we are not content.
Before we have kids, Jen and I drive down to the Florida keys for a couple of days. People will tell you that being there (and certainly living there) is a different state of mind.
Indeed it is!
Worries and cares seem to drift away. In Key West, people stop and gather every evening to watch the amazing sunset. The beauty of God’s creation seems to melt away all other concerns for a bit.
I wonder, what is – or should be – the “state of mind” for the Christian?
When I look at today’s reading, I wonder.
It’s not like there are no cares or concerns for the Christian. After all, we still live in this world with all it’s fallen nature that affects us, too. St. Paul in our text even says that he knows “how to be brought low, and…how to abound” (Philippians 4:12).
But he also share that he has “learned the secret of facing” the ups and downs – Jesus Christ, who strengthens him!
Jesus is our strength and solution as well. Do we have the state of mind – the faith – to trust Him completely and in all circumstances? Do we look to Him and know He has, is, and will provide all our needs, so there is only reason for rejoicing and none for worry? Can we look to the Son-set and let our cares melt away because nothing matters but Him?
Christ is the One who strengthens you and me. Through faith in Him we have all we need – in this life and the one to come. There is nothing that is going on in your life or mine that He has not already answered, before the issue was even on our mind.
That is reason to “rejoice always” (Philippians 4:4)!
Thank You, Lord!
“Gracious and providential Lord; thank You for providing all we need every day, so that whether we are in want or abundance we look to You, trust You, and rejoice in You in everything. Grant us through Your Spirit to have a “state of mind” to keep this state in all circumstances, because You are faithful – always! In Jesus’ name, amen!”
Come join us for a fun morning of learning, laughter, and fellowship at LifeBridge in Sealy!
Whether you’ve never played Mahjong before or you’ve been curious to learn, this beginner-friendly class will teach you the basics and give you an opportunity to practice and play with others.
LifeBridge Community Church is excited to help sponsor a FREE Outdoor Movie Night at Eastside Foundation Community Park on Saturday, October 31 at 7:00 PM, featuring Hotel Transylvania!
We’ll be serving free hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks to families from throughout the Sealy community, and we need volunteers! Come help us serve food, welcome our neighbors, and share the love of Christ through simple acts of hospitality and community.
📍 807 San Felipe Road, Sealy 🎬 Movie begins at 7:00 PM
