Matthew 22:15-22

 After several weeks hearing parables from Matthew, this week we hear a different type story.  It is told straightforwardly.  The Pharisees schemed to trip Jesus up and hoped to find an excuse to turn him over the governing Romans. Note that the Pharisees did not confront Jesus themselves.  Rather they sent some of their followers, just as today many underhanded unsavory characters send their inferior assistants to confront their adversaries because they wish to protect themselves. 

The undercover agents for the Pharisees attempted a well-known tactic by complimenting Jesus as one who taught God's messages.  Of course, they hoped Jesus would let down his guard and commit an offense against their Roman rulers. 

Instead, Jesus with all his godly wisdom, used a coin for a hands-on teaching aid.  Since the coin had the image of Caesar on it, Jesus told them that the coin really belonged to the one whose likeness was stamped to it.  He ended his conversation with, "Give God the things that are God's." 

What should we give God?  That is the question before us in this stewardship season.  Everything on earth belongs to God, for we are only the caretakers.