WEEK A - 29

Matthew 22:15-21

Jesus Being Tested Then the Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap him in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying,

“Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach

the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not

concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the

census tax to Caesar or not?” Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them,

“Whose image is this and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

1. UNDERSTAND IT! Plotted

Secretly make plans to carry out.

Entrap

To trick or deceive especially by getting someone to commit a crime.

Census

An official count or survey of population.

Hypocrites

Claiming to have moral standards but behavior does not match.

Inscription

Something that is written or carved into.

Malice

Intention or desire to do evil or ill will.

Herodians

People who supported King Herod during the time of Jesus.

2. EXPLORE IT! Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem continue their tense exchange of questions and challenges. At this point, the Pharisees’ disciples together with the Herodians, try to entrap Jesus by their questions about the payment of taxes. If Jesus answers the Pharisees, He shows Himself to be an enemy of Rome. If He answers the Herodians, He offends popular Jewish religious beliefs.

3. CONNECT IT!

4. LIVE IT! [ INTEGRITY ]

Jesus’ response to this attempt to trap Him exposes the deceitfulness of His questioners. From His first words to them, Jesus shows that He knows what they are trying to do. He asks to see a Roman coin, which is readily provided to Him. He asks His questioners to examine the coin. Agreeing that it is Caesar’s image on the coin, Jesus tells them that it must belong to Caesar. Avoiding the question of lawfulness altogether, Jesus answers their question with simple logic. Then, going further still, Jesus tells them that their obligation is to pay to God that which belongs to God. Jesus’ response to the Herodians and Pharisees suggests the ethics that Christians ought to adopt. It reminds us of the importance of keeping things in their proper perspective. Do we attach ourselves to worldly things at the expense of the love and honor that we owe to God?

Integrity – to be honest and have strong moral principles. Often, an easy way to test integrity is the ability to do the right thing without anyone else present. To have integrity is to be honest, but it is even more than that. It is doing what is right for the right reasons, not for the attention or the reward. Each day this week, go out of your way to do something good and/or positive for another person or your community. This could mean when you hear a rumor, you try to stop it and do not repeat it. Or when you see someone stealing, you do the right thing. Or when you see someone drops a $20 bill, you return it to the owner.

5. REMEMBER IT! “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Matthew 22:21)

6. PRAY IT! Lord, harden our spirits and hearts as we continue Your work amid criticism and skeptics. Allow our integrities so Your words speak for itself and be an inspiration for others to follow, suit in their display of love and faith for all. Amen.

My child has completed the corresponding virtue for this week _____________________________________________ Parent signature