Honesty in giving
Matthew 22:17-22 Now tell us what You think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. "You hypocrites!" He said. "Why are you trying to trap Me? 19 Here, show Me the coin used for the tax."
When they handed Him a Roman coin, 20 He asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" 21 "Caesar's," they replied.
"Well, then," He said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God." 22 His reply amazed them, and they went away.
18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. "You hypocrites!" He said. "Why are you trying to trap Me? 19 Here, show Me the coin used for the tax."
When they handed Him a Roman coin, 20 He asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" 21 "Caesar's," they replied.
"Well, then," He said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God." 22 His reply amazed them, and they went away.
Everybody hates paying taxes, we all probably think, "those guys don't have a clue how to spend our money wisely so why should I give them more of it."
These religious leaders were posing as legitimate Christ followers that wanted to know what Jesus teaching is on supporting the civil government, but there has never been a disguise that could outwit Jesus, he knew what there purpose was in asking the question.
Out of this quick discussion comes two rules that a Christ follower is to live by:
Give to Caesar what he is entitled to have, Jesus didn't come to earth to fight against the civil government, doesn't the Bible teach us that those that are in authority have been put there by God.
Romans 13:1-2 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
Give to God what he is entitled to have, isn't it strange that most people are afraid to cheat on their federal income taxes but they don't worry at all about cheating God out of the tithe.
Malachi 3:8-10 "Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated Me! "But you ask, 'What do You mean? When did we ever cheat You?' "You have cheated Me of the tithes and offerings due to Me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating Me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put Me to the test!
Thank you Lord for opening the windows of heaven and blessing me, you are faithful to those that trust you in every area of life, I pray that I will always be obedient to give back to you in my tithes and my talents.
Romans 13:1-2 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
Give to God what he is entitled to have, isn't it strange that most people are afraid to cheat on their federal income taxes but they don't worry at all about cheating God out of the tithe.
Malachi 3:8-10 "Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated Me! "But you ask, 'What do You mean? When did we ever cheat You?' "You have cheated Me of the tithes and offerings due to Me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating Me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put Me to the test!
Thank you Lord for opening the windows of heaven and blessing me, you are faithful to those that trust you in every area of life, I pray that I will always be obedient to give back to you in my tithes and my talents.
You might like to read: Commands of Jesus blog series.
