The things that are God's

This is one of those sayings of Jesus that is known far beyond church walls. And also probably one of the most misunderstood sayings! (Twenty first Sunday after Pentecost. Proper 24 [29] Matthew 22:15-22)

Sentence:

“ ‘Give therefore to Caesar the things that are the Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.’ ” Matthew 22:21

Collect:

Gracious God,

You have made us in your own image and declared creation good.

Let us be ever mindful whose image we bear and live as beloveds of yours who recognise and honour all others made in your image.

Help our ears and hearts be attuned to your word that we may always know from where we have come and to where we shall return.

Amen.

Reflections:

This is such a pithy and intriguing saying and we instinctively thrill to the fast footwork of Jesus that has him escape the snare set for him by the Pharisees and Herodians. But we the audience are left with a hugely significant and challenging conundrum. If we are being told to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s, then what does that mean now?

You may like to read what I have previously written which explores some of the background and some of the implications of this teaching.

What belongs to God

Since I wrote the above I have been challenged by a significant detail which escaped me initially – the location of this repartee! This takes place after Jesus overturned the tables in the Temple and just before his betrayal and arrest. And geographically this takes place in the Temple courtyard! Ah ha!!

The reason that there were money lenders in the Temple was that the coin of the day had images of Roman authorities including the Caesar (and other foreign coin if they were pilgrims). This was not suitable coinage to buy animals to sacrifice because of the commandment not to have graven images. (It was also a symbol of their oppression to the Roman forces.) So, when Jesus asks someone to show him a coin and they pull out of their pocket/purse a coin with a graven image of the Caesar they are exposing themselves as hypocrites, and making visual the dilemma of their situation.

And when Jesus says “give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” Jesus is not simply saying pay your taxes and pay your tithes but more like “Give what you have to to this worldly regime, and give what you are obligated to to God, remembering that (Genesis 1:27) you have been made in the image of God and everything, including you, belongs to God!”

Rather than making it easy to discern how we are to respond this saying hightens the complexity and internal conflict we may feel. And how does this help those of us who see so much of what mainstream society asks of us as missing the mark of the kingdom values we seek to follow? I don’t think it solves our dilemma but I do think it helps clarify it. Our first and greatest allegiance is to God who created all things including us and to whom we fully belong. And then as citizens of this society we have obligations and responsibilities which we are generally speaking required to fulfill. If we decide to take civil disobedience out of conscience then we need to do that knowingly.

We may take some comfort in knowing that our sense of dilemma and disturbance is real and that we share that with people, including our Lord, over time.

Even so, come Lord Jesus the Christ, and remind us that we are yours and that all of our life flows out of that understanding. Teach us clarity, compassion and courage as we seek to live as followers.

Intercessions:

Gracious God,

You created all that is and declared it good.

Encourage wisdom and imagination in us that we recognise in all others your image and treat with reverence those who you have called into being.

Bless all of the created order.

We particularly pray for your earth and oceans in dire distress and we seek wisdom as to how to care for your world.

We pray for all peoples, especially those suffering because of famine, disease, violence and any trouble.

We pray that all agencies of care be strengthened in their work.

Creator of all that is,

Hear our prayer.

Jesus, Lord and servant of all who have eyes and ears,

Help us to discern your priorities in our corporate life and in each and every heart that calls you Lord.

Help us to organise every aspect of our lives around knowing who we belong to and inviting others into your loving, healing presence.

We particularly pray for your church, that we may grow in wisdom and courage.

Help us have clarity about who we serve and be strong to stand up for the values of your kingdom.

Lord and servant of all,

Hear our prayer.

Spirit that sustains and inspires,

Fill us with the desire and the gifts to live as expressions of your image.

Open our hearts and imaginations to see what is and what can be in your kingdom. Equip us to live lives of grace and be bearers of your light in this world of darkness and struggle.

We particularly pray for all who are finding life hard at this time and pray your grace upon them.

Spirit that sparks new life,

Hear our prayer.

Gracious God,

Source of all being, compassion and Spirit that cannot be contained,

Open our hearts and minds to your invitation to your kingdom here on earth.

Amen.

 This is my work informed by all that I have heard, read and experienced. I am indebted to the wisdom of others. This week I am grateful for the work of the Pulpit Fiction team.

www.pulpitfiction.com/notes/proper24a