Jesus avoided black-and-white thinking
Daily Scripture
Matthew 22:15-21
15 Then the Pharisees met together to find a way to trap Jesus in his words. 16 They sent their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are genuine and that you teach God’s way as it really is. We know that you are not swayed by people’s opinions, because you don’t show favoritism. 17 So tell us what you think: Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
18 Knowing their evil motives, Jesus replied, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used to pay the tax.” And they brought him a denarion. 20 “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked.
21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”
Daily Reflection & Prayer
Jesus’s enemies laid political traps for him, with questions they assumed had “black and white” answers. Jesus’ response (“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God”) said both earthly and divine allegiances are important. Similar tensions between faith and earthly citizenship often arise. N.T. Wright noted, “Jesus’ answer… redefines the meaning of God’s kingdom.” * Jesus showed that you can live out the Golden Rule in the civic realm, treating others with respect and kindness while honoring God.
- Jesus distinguished between obligations to earthly authorities and to God. He knew the balance between heavenly and earthly citizenship is sometimes complex. You may meet times when your spiritual values conflict with civic expectations. How do you evaluate these dual responsibilities? How can your loyalty to the Golden Rule as a citizen of Jesus’ kingdom help you navigate such situations more effectively?
- Jesus’ response turned the tables on those trying to trap him, demonstrating wisdom in dealing with opposition. Like Jesus, others may sometimes test or challenge your beliefs and values. Can you recall a recent interaction where you felt your faith was being tested or questioned? How might Jesus’ approach of thoughtfully responding with wisdom and grace, rather than defensiveness, change the way you handle similar situations in the future?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, guide me to a clear sense of what my loyalty to you and your kingdom asks of me. Help me to respect earthly authorities, but never more highly than I respect your authority. Amen.
GPS Insights
Valerie Nagel
Valerie Nagel serves as a Connection and Care Pastor at Resurrection Leawood. She was born, raised, and attended college in California. Her Master of Divinity degree is from Duke Divinity School. She began serving as an associate pastor in the Rio Texas Conference in 2011 in the Austin area and San Antonio. From congregational care and welcoming guests to leading in worship, Valerie loves the ministry of the local church. She juggles ministry with being a mom to Caleb (born 2012) and Jacob (born 2015), friend, avid reader, lover of the outdoors, beginner to the world of CrossFit, and foodie.
When I became a parent, I wondered if there was a “perfect” parenting manual out there. I was overwhelmed and I wanted to get things right. I also wanted to feel less anxious. I had no idea how to be a parent, let alone a good parent. There are hundreds of books on all kinds of parenting details. What I realized is that while I could look to books, my therapist, family, and friends for some wisdom, particularly when I hit a bump in the road, there is no one single manual for all of parenting. There is no black and white, one size fits all, perfect plan for raising kids. That is both a thrilling and terrifying fact. Parenting is not the only topic on which I’ve discovered that certainty isn’t the right goal or maybe even possible. (Well, maybe I might make one exception. Duke has a pretty great history in college basketball. Can I get away with saying they’re the best team while I live in Kansas?)
As I’m learning to make peace with the gray, I’m slowly able to release my tight grip on black and white thinking. As I get more comfortable with being uncomfortable, I’m learning how to ask questions and stay curious. One of the things I love the most about Jesus (but also sometimes find to be confounding) is how he answers questions with his own questions. When I hear Jesus ask, “Whose image and inscription is this?” I hear an invitation to examine my motivation. What questions am I asking and why? Do I want Jesus to be made in my image? Do I want politics to match what I think is right? Or am I open? Am I listening to Jesus so I can become more like him? Am I spending the time to ask meaningful questions so I can make the best decisions that I can right now? Am I willing to change my mind as I learn more?
This season is challenging and I’m thankful that we are addressing these issues directly as a church. I’m grateful that my kids are growing up in a community where 40% of our congregation votes Republican, 40% Democrat, and 20% Independent. It isn’t without its challenges. But following Jesus means we’re invited to follow him as our roadmap, guide, and teacher. May we stay curious. May we open our hands and hearts to the gray. May we love others like Jesus has loved us.
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Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* N. T. Wright, Matthew for Everyone, Part 2. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, p. 94.
