Introduction

Luke 20:19-26 NASB

19 The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Him that very hour, and they feared the people; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them. 20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor. 21 They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 23 But He detected their trickery and said to them, 24 “Show Me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” 25 And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 26 And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, they became silent.

v.19 - 20 The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Him that very hour, and they feared the people; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them. 20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor.

Jesus does not fit into our agenda.

v.21 - 22 They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. 22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

The Halakha – Jewish Law – The Way

A Halakhic Question – “Is it lawful…”

If Jesus affirms the tax, the Jews will be angry because they are overtaxed.

If Jesus refutes the tax, the Herodians and Pontius Pilate will arrest Him.

v.23 - 24 But He detected their trickery and said to them, 24 “Show Me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.”

On the front of the denarius is a picture of Caser Tiberius with the inscription –“TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS” an abbreviation for Tiberius Caesar, Son of the Divine Augustus.

On the back the inscription reads PONTIF MAXIM an abbreviation for “Pontifex Maximus” meaning the high priest of Rome.

v.25And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Render – Paying an obligation

The Halakhic Answer: be more concerned with what God is due than Caesar. (Exodus 20:4)

What is due to God?

What is God’s image? (Genesis 1:27-28)

What is the inscription on God’s image?

(Deut. 6:8, 11:18)

Phylacteries – Matthew 23:5

How do we fulfill being the image of God?

Declaration – Declare Jesus is as Lord and Savior.

Transformation – We allow God to transform us through worship.

Reflection – We reflect the goodness, beauty, and truth of God to the World.

Jesus the Philosopher: Answers for Life

Luke 20:19-26, September 29th and October 2nd

Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: Do you know anyone who collects rare coins or do you have any rare coins or coins from other countries?

Read out loud: Luke 20:19-16

Render to God what is Gods:

#1. Have you ever used flattery to try and manipulate a situation? How did that turn out for you? What about the other way around, has anyone ever flattered you for manipulation? How did that make you feel?

#2. Jesus instructed people to pay taxes to the Roman Empire, an empire full of corruption and evil. Why do you think He instructs us to pay taxes? How do we benefit from paying taxes? Is paying taxes to a corrupt government a form of trusting God?

#3. We see in the passage Jesus is comparing the denarius to us as image bearers of God. Do you see yourself as an image bearer? What is your role as an image bearer? What should be in the inscription on our lives?

#4. We are image bearers on this earth with the purpose to reflect God’s glory. What hurdles do we face in our own hearts when it comes to reflecting God? Do you see your work and other mundane tasks as worship? In what ways can worship become a lifestyle rather than an event?

Family Time: Find a mirror in the house and put it at 45-degree angle in a hallway somewhere in the house. Share how you can see them because of the position of the mirror. Explain how we as image bearers are to be like this mirror to the world, reflecting the goodness, beauty, and truth of God.