Matthew 22

 Matthew 22:15-22  This section contains the 1st of three questions meant to "trap" Jesus by what He said. The first was offered by the Pharisees and the Herodians... "Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. Tell us therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?"  A pretentious, hypocritical introduction.. followed by a loaded question.  The Pharisees thought they were quite clever in their verbal trap.. but Jesus, as always, saw right through to their hearts and called them on it. 

"Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?"  If they truly believed that He was truthful and that He was teaching  the ways of God.. they would not be testing Him! Flattering tongues... as Proverbs 26:28b says, "works ruin".  Proverbs 29:5 hits it right on the head.. "A man who flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his steps." Exactly.. 

Oh the wisdom of Christ!  

"Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." He asks.

"Whose likeness and inscription is this?"  He probes.. 

"Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's."

What an answer!  The king of Rome would claim his due..but,  the King of kings is due all that we have.. all that we are.. all that He has provided. 

"All to Jesus I surrender; 

All to Him I freely give.

I will ever love and trust Him, 

In His presence daily live."

What is due God? Everything! As the song says.. " I surrender all.. all to Thee, my blessed Savior.."

Father in heaven, be exalted and glorified today as Your Name is made holy all over this planet!  May our voices cry out with praise, for You are great, and all You do is gracious, compassionate, and just.  There is no other God.. no other name that is worthy to be praised.  Father, in the chaos of this world.. in the midst of the many voices that test and question and argue.. may Your Word be heard. Let it "run rapidly and be glorified" in this world, as Your people surrender all to You and are filled with Your "love and power" to go out in the Name of Jesus with the good news of salvation.  Father, may we truly render all the things that are Yours to You.. in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.