18 Oct 2026 05:00
"Trapped?" | Rev. Dr. Guy D. Griffith preaching | 10.18.26
Welcome to Westminster! Whether you're worshiping with us in person or online, we're glad you're here! If you're joining us virtually, we invite you to sign our online friendship registry so we can connect with you.LIVING OUT THE WORDThe word "ensnare" is only found in this passage in the New Testament.What do you make of the writer of Matthew's choice of this word? Is there a difference between "ensnare" and "catch unaware?"What would have been the social or political consequences have been if Jesus simply said, "Pay Caesar?" or "Don't pay?"In your life, what belongs to Caesar? To God?Matthew 22:15-22A teaching about the emperor and God22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.22:16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality.22:17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the Caesar, or not?"22:18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites?22:19 Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius.22:20 Then he said to them, "Whose head is this and whose title?"22:21 They answered, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's."22:22 When they heard this, they were amazed, and they left him and went away.
