Luke 20:20-26 – Wise Words

The true servant of Christ can expect to meet those who claim to love Christ, but in their hearts, they deny Him. We should be careful not to take it for granted that all people are good who talk like good men. The way a man lives his life, not what he says, is the only safe test of character.

If Jesus replies that it isn’t lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, He will be accused before Pilate as a rebel against the Roman authority. But if He says they should pay taxes to Caesar, He will be denounced before the people as ignoring the rights and privileges of the Jews. Yet, Jesus is able to find an answer that silences His enemies. Their own lips confess that Caesar has a certain authority over them – they use the money that he has coined. They should, therefore, obey Caesar in earthly things. If they don’t refuse to use Caesar’s coins, they shouldn’t refuse to pay Caesar’s taxes.

There are many dues that God requires of them that they can easily pay if they want to. Honour, love, obedience, faith, fear, prayer, spiritual worship, are payments to God that they might make every day and with which the Roman government will not interfere.

We should often pray that we may have wisdom to answer correctly when difficult questions are put to us. We shouldn’t be surprised to get the same treatment as our Lord. Some may try to trip us up in the things we say and do. In order to be prepared, let us ask our Lord for wisdom and a careful tongue. It is a great thing to know what to say and how to say it, when to be silent, and when to speak. Give thanks that God can give us this ability.

Questions
1. Why should the Jews pay taxes?
2. What kind of dues does God require of His people?
3. How can we get wisdom to answer correctly?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for wisdom in speaking to others of Christ.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.