Bitter hatred of the Lord Jesus... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

He (Jesus) said to them, Render to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, and to God the things that are God's.
Matthew 22:21

Bitter hatred of the Lord Jesus united His political opponents. In this case the Pharisees allied themselves to Herod's followers in order to set a trap for Jesus. After a few dishonest compliments they asked Him, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Cæsar or not?"

If Jesus had answered their question with a simple "Yes", the Pharisees would have reproached Him for supporting the Romans. They could by this means have discredited Him with the strongly nationally-minded Jews. The Herodians, on the other hand, were loyal vassals of the Romans. Had Jesus decided against paying the taxes, they would have accused Him under Roman law.

The Son of God saw through their sinister intentions. He simply made them show Him a coin. Then His opponents were to state who was depicted on the coin: the Roman emperor. "Give to Cæsar what is Cæsar's" He concluded, and added: "and to God what is God's." Jesus was not a Jewish revolutionary. He did not overrule state laws; they were ordained by God (cf. Romams 13, 1).

What must we give God today? What can He rightly claim? As our Creator He expects us to acknowledge His authority over us by glorifying Him as God and thanking Him (cf. Romans 1, 21). As a Saviour-God showing patience to His guilty creatures in giving His only Son for them in inconceivable love, He expects us to turn to Him, accepting Christ as our Saviour by faith. So give God His due!