according to who is listening to you, but you truly teach God’s way. Tell us, is it against the Law to pay
taxes to Caesar? Should we pay them or not?” But Jesus saw through their trick and answered,
“Why are you testing me? Bring me a silver coin and let me see it.” They brought him one and Jesus
asked, “Whose image is this, and whose name?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then Jesus said, “Give
back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they were greatly astonished.
Reflection:
It is bad enough knowing that you incurred the 1ire of powerful enemies.
But for them to plan your downfall and execute the plan in tandem is enough
to make you quake in fright. Not so Jesus. He meets His enemy headlong
and uses His head to outwit them. Even if the enemies come prepared and have
mapped their line of attack, still Jesus displayed calmness and presence of
mind. If one can master one’s fears, half the battle is already won. And so
when the enemies spring their trap, Jesus sidesteps it neatly. He points a truth
that could help us navigate the world. The civil sphere and the religious sphere
have basic autonomy. They need not clash with one another. Whatever is good
in society is a reflection ofthe good order God wants the world to have.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021