Saturday 28 December, 2019

20 Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21 So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 26 They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

This passage reminds me that I constantly need the wisdom and discernment of God to meet the challenges in my life. Jesus knew the motives behind the guys who were trying to trick him. I want to be like Jesus- ready with a sassy answer whenever I need one. The men with Jesus were trying to trap him, but a life of integrity is above reproach. Our lives need to reflect the same integrity whether it’s in regard to our faith, our work, our family or our personal practices. Everything we say or do matters because it reflects our heart. Jesus had the heart of God, and I want that too.

Heavenly Father give me wisdom to speak the right words at the right time. Help me to be more like Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help me to live with integrity in order to bring glory to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Written by Christine Knight