JESUS ANSWERS AN UNANSWERABLE QUESTION
The Jewish leaders sent spies to entrap Jesus with what they thought was an unanswerable question. They asked Jesus, “Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” They had carefully crafted the politically charged question, so that if he answered in the positive, he would offend the Jewish crowds. And if he answered in the negative, he would be charged with a crime against Rome.
Yet, Jesus surprised them by answering their question with his own question, “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied, not realizing that Jesus was about to overcome their political trap. “Well then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
They were both amazed and silenced with Christ’s answer to their question. I wonder how many of our carefully thought out, difficult questions for God, will one day be answered in similar fashion. Leaving us, as they were, both amazed and silent?
PRAYER: Lord, we are often filled with doubts and questions. We know that you are not afraid of our questions. Even though some of them are filled with accusations towards You. Forgive us our lack of faith. Help us to understand that which You want us to know. And help us to accept that which is beyond our understanding, trusting that You are both Sovereign and Omniscient. In Jesus’ name, amen.