IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Give to God What is God's

Date: Sep. 16, 2017

Passage

Luke 20:19-26  (ESV)

19 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. 20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. 21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” 25 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 not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 20:25

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

1. Stubborn hearts (19)

The religious leaders knew that Jesus had spoken the parable about the tenants against them. Jesus exposed their motives and intentions and warned them of the judgment that would come if they continued to reject him. By rejecting him, they rejected God himself. They also dismissed the witness of all the people who supported Jesus. It was time for them to repent, but they wouldn't. Instead, they looked for a way to arrest Jesus immediately. We must learn from their poor example and pray that God would soften our hearts and lead us to repent of any worldly desires and ambitions that separate us from Jesus.

2. A failed attempt to trap Jesus (20-26)

The religious leaders tried to trap Jesus with a question that was impossible to answer. "Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" If Jesus supported taxes, he was a sympathizer. If he didn't, he was subversive. But Jesus saw through their duplicity and his answer astonished them. "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Like the tenants in the parable, they were unwilling to give to God what was God's. What was their answer to this? They were trapped by their own question! They became silent, but their hearts were still hard.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, lead us to repentance.

One Word: Give to God everything that is His

Daily Bread

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Read More

Intro Daily

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references