diff --git a/content/bible_journal/luke_20:19-26.md b/content/bible_journal/luke_20:19-26.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4015e26 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/luke_20:19-26.md @@ -0,0 +1,41 @@ ++++ +title = "Luke 20:19–26" +date = "2023-01-24" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk20.19-26) + +It's kind of a big deal for the chief priests to be told that they aren't +actually going to be inheriting the kingdom of God. They and the scribes (other +experts of the Scriptures) were understandably upset by this, but instead of +wondering what could be done about that situation, they instead try to destroy +the one who said it. But they didn't want public opinion to turn on them, so +they tried to come up with a way to get the Romans to do it for them. + +Being a conquered, oppressed people, the Jews did not appreciate the taxes Rome +imposed upon them. If they could get Jesus to take a public stance on taxes, +either the people would hate Him for encouraging people to pay the tax, or the +Romans would arrest Him for saying they shouldn't. They send in spies to be +part of His audience while He teaches at the temple, and with flattery they +pose the question to Him. "[According to the Law of Moses,] is it lawful for us +to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" (_v. 22_) + +Instead of answering directly, Jesus asks him to show a denarius. This was a +silver coin worth a laborer's wages for a day, that was appropriate to pay +Rome's tax. Whose name and face are on this coin? Caesar's, of course. Who does +the tax belong to? Caesar, of course. But then Jesus also says to give God what +He is owed as well. By pointing out the similarities between civil government +and God's authority, Jesus can thus not be accused of being disloyal to His own +people or the governing authorities. + +There are many places in the Bible where God's people are commanded to obey the +civil authorities. The main reason for this is that everyone who is placed over +us was put there by God in one way or another. Whether we like it or not, +whether we agree with the policies implemented or not, whether they do a good +job of it or not. The only exception is when they order us to go against God's +commands, and then we appeal to the higher authority, even if the earthly +government doesn't recognize it. + +* * * + +Let us be wise and gracious in our speech like Jesus.