Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “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.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Jesus tells those who will listen not to let worldly issues such as taxes interfere with their connection to God. Our lives seem busy and complicated now, but if we are honest we see that people throughout history have had to reconcile their faith and daily living. The fact that we are so involved in the world means we must focus even more on the promise God gives us and be intentional about our relationship with Him.

18th century English theologian and reformer John Wesley recommended that our faith practice be a regular part of our daily schedule, as important as any other appointment on our calendar. Yet we often find our time with God squeezed into the small empty spaces in our planners. How sad that the Creator of all things gets only the leftovers of our time.

We need to create a habit of connecting with God on a regular basis. Think of time you could spend in prayer each day and write it on your calendar or enter it on your phone. God will be waiting to welcome us whenever we come to Him.

Patient God, we are sorry for how little of our time we spend with You. Help us to live out our thanks for all Your gifts through a regular connection with You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “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.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

The religious leaders ask Jesus if it right to pay the tax to Caeser. It is a question that is much debated even today – how much tax we pay and for what purposes. Jesus knows that those gathered are not looking for a serious answer but He gives a very serious response.

This group hopes He will either say “don’t pay”, after which they could have Him arrested, or “do pay”, which would anger His followers. Jesus replies in a way that makes them look at how things are being done in the world. Instead of a hard answer, He makes them think.

Jesus opposes Rome not because of who they are but for their treatment of people, the violent oppression of occupied territory and the tax burden they levy, mostly for their own enrichment. Jesus doesn’t tell them not to pay but instead to leave earthly things to earthly powers and focus instead on our relationship with God. If we accept God’s gifts and His plan, we can worry less about everyday things. The song “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” tells us “and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace”. When we trust God, we can live in confidence.

Loving Lord, it is hard for us to let go of control. Help us to be the people You created us to be, to put our faith in You and love each other. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “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.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Jesus wants those gathered to know the difference between respect for the government and respect for God. He says “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (v. 21). He asks us to give to God what is His…which is everything, even our very existence.

In His love for us, God created wonderful gifts for our use. He wants us to see that these earthly things only have value when we use them as He intended, for the good of His kingdom. He tells those listening that God wants them to live for Him and for each other.

God knows everything we go through, the burdens we place on each other and the systems we allow. Jesus teaches that we are connected to each other here on earth and our relationships are important to God. Giving Caesar what is his is only temporary, giving ourselves back to God is eternal.

Gracious God, all creation is Yours but in Your love and generosity it is ours to use. Help us to live wisely in the world today that we may be part of the world to come. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “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.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Jesus knows the religious leaders who have gathered are plotting against Him. We might have refused to talk to them or shouted them away, but that’s not how Jesus chooses to work. Instead He hears them out, no matter how much He disagrees with their statement.

While we encounter opposition in the world today, almost never are those with whom we disagree actively planning to kill us, as this group did Christ. Even in the face of such a threat, Jesus listens and responds wisely. He turns what could be a confrontation into a discussion that confounds His opponents and they leave.

Perhaps we can’t respond to difficult discussion as quickly or logically as Jesus does, but we can choose not to raise the level of tension with our answers. Fighting fire with fire only means more fire. Jesus says “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45).

Loving Lord, teach us Your patience when we face hard conversations and difficult choices. May we show the world Your way of relating to each other that all may know Your love. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:15-22.

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “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.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

In this week’s lesson the Pharisees and Herodians engage Jesus in debate regarding taxes paid to the Roman government. Of course, they’re not really interested in what He thinks, they merely want an opportunity to discredit Him based on how He responds. However, they first attempt to lull Him into a false sense of security through flattery.

Jesus knows that this group opposes Him for various reasons. As always, He listens and then responds in a way that gently rebukes them for their underhanded tactics but also teaches them about His kingdom. He isn’t trying to drive them away but to help them see the wrong they are perpetuating. While the Gospel doesn’t tell us, it is possible that some understood and turned to God after hearing the lesson.

Jesus wanted everyone to hear God’s message of love and truth, especially those who held positions of power. He spent time with the poor and marginalized to heal them and give them hope, but He ensured that the political and religious leaders heard the Word as well. Only by knowing God’s plan for us can we be part of it.

Loving Lord, the lessons You bring aren’t for just one group or class but for all people everywhere. Help us to share Your love without regard to status, seeing everyone as our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:23-33.

“That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.”

Have you ever heard or read something a second time and gained new insight from it? That seems to be the experience the people were having as Jesus taught and explained God’s plan to them. They had heard the Scriptures before, most of them for all their lives. Yet when Jesus spoke about these lessons “they were astonished at His teaching” (v. 33).

The way He taught them led them to a new understanding of the Word, a better connection to what God called them to do. We can learn more from things we have heard or read through discussion with each other, listening to different perspectives and experiences. Each of us see things just a little differently and sharing those observations can help us all to improve our understanding.

The religious leaders of that time were often locked in their interpretation of the Law; the people were often swayed by whatever was the latest “thing” to come along, neither of which is very effective. Much like us, they were all searching for the truth but failed to see it when it came. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). If we put our trust in Him, we can see the blessings God intends for us and share His love with all the world.

Gracious God, we are still amazed by the teaching You send. Help us to hear the truth and see how to apply it in our world, that all may be led to Your love. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:23-33.

“That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.”

Jesus closes His lesson with the powerful statement “He is not the God of the dead but of the living” (v. 32). His point to the Sadducees is that in God all are alive, through His blessing of salvation. Those who believe are called to live with Him eternally, restored to His plan for us all.

Using God’s promise to their ancestors, He teaches them of the kingdom to come, and that there is more to His covenant than just the mortal existence we now know. God’s love is given to us to show how wonderful it will be when we are with Him forever. Jesus said “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36) to teach us that this life is not all there is.

Jesus wants us to expect more than this world can give. We can’t take earthly things with us and we won’t want them when we see the wonderful gift He has prepared for us. Accepting His forgiveness and following Him will take us there.

Eternal God, we are grateful for Your blessings and the promise of salvation. Help us to live out Your covenant that we may be messengers of the kingdom to all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:23-33.

“That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.”

Jesus continues His lesson on resurrection and eternal life, explaining to those gathered that it will be different than the mortal existence we know here. We seem to assume the cultural and societal norms we practice will also be the case then. Jesus compares us to the angels – not being angels but like them – and tells us it will be unlike anything we have known.

I don’t believe Jesus faults us for wondering “what it will be like”. It is only when we use this imagining as fact and allow it to direct our thoughts and actions that we lose our way. However, the group He is addressing in this passage doesn’t believe in eternal life at all.

Jesus came to teach the truth to all, that through faith in Him we can be saved. To miss this blessing because we don’t believe in anything after our lives here is incredibly sad. His sacrifice opened the way to eternal life for us and His love goes out to everyone.

Gracious God, the gift of Your son has brought salvation to a world in need of forgiveness. Help us to live out this wonderful blessing and share our joy with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 22:23-33.

“That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. “Teacher,” they said, “Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for him. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.”

The Sadducees fail on several levels in their debate with Jesus. They propose an outlandish situation involving a practice little used even in that time, and ask for a response that can only support their position. Jesus doesn’t stumble over the question but answers them honestly and without anger at their deception.

He does mention that they don’t understand the Scripture they claim to know and goes on to explain their error to them. How often do we come to Jesus with wrong preconceived understanding? Do we ask Him to support our arguments against others before praying for discernment to determine if we are correct? Do we vilify those who oppose us rather than speak with love and reconciliation as He taught?

Jesus wants us to see each other as God sees us, beloved children created with a purpose. Even when we disagree about earthly matters, it doesn’t change our heavenly origin or His love for us. He has placed a call on all our lives that must be our primary goal – love Him, love others, and share His truth with the world.

Gracious God, we find so many ways to be in conflict with each other! Help us to remain calm in our interactions, treating each other with the love You have placed in each of us. Amen.