Luke 20:19-26

content/bible_journal/luke_20:19-26.md

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+title = "Luke 20:19–26"
+date = "2023-01-24"
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+
+### [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.