Verdigris United Methodist Church

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Hay Rides, Bounce House, Candy, Games, Food Truck, Selfie Station and more!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 ~ Read Matthew 22:15-22

Behind the Pharisees’ question in this passage is a test of loyalties. Over and over again in this section of Matthew, some religious leaders have been trying to trap Jesus. They believe that his popularity threatens their power as mediators between the Roman Empire and the Jewish people.

To pay taxes is to offer obedience to the Roman Empire. If Jesus says people should not pay taxes, the powers-that-be will be offended. But if he says they should pay, some of his fellow Jews will view it as an endorsement of a foreign occupying power that oppresses them in their own land. Jesus’ answer says more than simply “split your money evenly between taxes and tithes.” He answers a question with a question: “Whose image is on this coin?” Coins and currency, he implies, belong to the government, and taxes simply return some to their source.

The Pharisees are anxious about their status within the Empire. But Jesus refuses their framing of the question. He has no need to garner greater popularity with the people, nor does he care to curry favor with the Empire’s rulers. His mission is to proclaim the kingdom of God, where status doesn’t stem from money, and power doesn’t come from violence.

As followers of Christ, questions about our political loyalties and our financial decisions are important, but Jesus reminds us they are not the ultimate questions of our lives. Rather, our decisions about who and what to support with our time, attention, and money come in response to our ultimate loyalty. God’s power is greater than that of any earthly power, and it is our status as members of the kingdom of God that directs the rest of our lives.

God, when I am anxious about the powers-that-be or my status under earthly systems, teach me to remember my belonging to your kingdom. Amen.

Courtesy of The Upper Room Disciplines 2026