Let us continue to evaluate the text of Jesus’ famous ‘render to Caesar’ dictum.  

Monday—Read: Matthew 22:15-16 Think: On its face, Pharisees and Herodians are not natural allies. Why would they team up to come at Jesus? Pray: For the people of God to safeguard itself against the manipulation of scheming and corrupt religious leaders and politicians.

Tuesday—Read: Matthew 22:17-18 Think: The trap here is about taxes, and that is always sticky. What other traps abound? Pray: Ask God to show you the traps and how to avoid them (lead you not into temptation, but deliver you from evil).

Wednesday—Read: Matthew 22:19 Think: This is when they show themselves to be hypocrites. They have a coin, so they are prepared to pay the tax regardless of what Jesus says. What are possible pitfalls that lead us into hypocrisy? Pray: Pray the hard prayer of self-evaluation, inviting the Holy Spirit to show you your own hypocrisies.

Thursday–Read: Matthew 22:20 Think: As an exercise, find a coin or a dollar bill. What images and symbols are on it. Who does it ‘belong’ to? Pray: Ask God to help you be a good steward of your money.

Friday—Read: Matthew 22:21-22 Think: What do you owe the world? Your community? Your church? God? Pray: Open the email from this week marked Prayer and Praises and pray through the prayer list.