S – Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked them. ²¹ “Caesar’s,” they said to him. 

Then he said to them, “Give, then, to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” ²² When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away. 

Matthew 22:20–22 CSB

O – Commentary:

He therefore answered their question by demonstrating that government does have a rightful place in everyone’s life and that one can be in subjection to government and God at the same time. He asked them to give Him a coin used to pay the tax. A Roman denarius, with its image of Caesar, the Roman emperor, made it obvious they were under Roman authority and taxation. (One coin inscription reads, “Tiberius Caesar Augustus, son of the Divine Augustus.”) Therefore the taxes must be paid: Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.

But Jesus also reminded them that a sphere of authority belongs to God: Give to God what is God’s. Individuals are to be subject also to His authority. Man has both political and spiritual responsibilities. Amazed at Jesus’ answer, both the Pharisees and the Herodians were silenced.

 “Matthew,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Jesus gives the perfect answer to an impossible question, while discerning the motives of the hearts of the leaders.  We can do the same.  By inviting the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and discernment, we can navigate the challenges we face.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are God of all.  We invite your Holy Spirit to equip us with the Spirit of Wisdom and Discernment today.  We want to see each challenge through your eyes and act in a way that glorifies you.  We need your presence to help us in all we do and say.