Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 Give unto God what is God’s.

Matthew 22:15-23
v21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Jesus entered Jerusalem and had completed the triumphant Hosanna and the cleansing of the temple.  Wherever Jesus went, Pharisees were also with Him trying to trap Him one way or other. This time, they also came with Herodians who were entirely opposite to the teachings and practices of the Pharisees. While Herodians were those who supported King Herod who was in alliance with the Roman Empire, Pharisees were entirely opposites to Herodians and considered it as a sin having anything to do with anyone who has any alliance with Roman Empire.  That is the primary reason the Pharisees hated tax collectors and considered them as sinners. Yet here Pharisees and Herodians came together to trap Jesus and asked the question, “Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” (NIV).
They were hoping for a yes or no answer. If the answer was no, then they could easily bring Him to the authorities with charges of tax revolt. If the answer was yes, then Jesus would be considered as an enemy of the people of Israel since He sided with the Roman Government. Therefore, they were sure that Jesus would fall under their trap. But Jesus instead asked them to show Him a coin with which taxes were to be paid. Lifting the coin, He asked them whose image and inscription are on the coin. They answered Caesars. Jesus replied, “Then give unto Caesar, what is Caesar’s.” They almost thought they had Him. But giving them no time to satisfy themselves, Jesus continued, and to God what is God’s.”  
The Pharisees very well knew that if the image and inscription on the coin is that of Caesar, the image and inscription of them and all human beings are that of God. They as experts in Torah were amazed at the answer of Jesus and left him.
As we are entering the passion week and remembering the passion of Jesus, we are reminded that we are created in the image of God and that our lives are to be a living sacrifice to God  as Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper worship.” (NIV)    

PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding us that You are the Creator who created us in Your image. Enable us always to remember that we keep Your image as Holy and sacred and to give ourselves to you and for Your glory. Amen
                                                
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
We are created in the Image of God and let us submit ourselves for God’s Glory.
 
             P.T. Thomas,
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church NY.


Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more