Matthew 22 Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's

I like a good courtroom drama. The tension of claim and counterclaim, of a lawyer leading a witness into a verbal trap: Just answer the question, yes or no, Mr Smith!  or of a witness springing a surprise piece of information which changes the whole tenor of the examination…it’s absorbing, deeply human stuff as those of us watching wonder what will happen? Who will come out on top? Will the truth win out, or will cleverness and deceit carry the day?

Our Gospel reading today is courtroom drama, with a hostile jury and much riding on the outcome of the cross examination. It’s set in the last week of Jesus life, with the stakes rising rapidly as the religious leaders try to find a way to trap and get rid of this pesky Galilean prophet who is eroding their power base  by calling for a heartfelt following of God in all of life, not just following their religious rules and rituals.

When Jesus is asked the question about paying taxes to the Roman emperor, his response is masterful, and unexpected, and contains great good news for us.

This sermon was preached at Pakenham Lakeside Church on Sunday 22nd October 2017.

It can be enhanced by viewing the Prezi zooming visuals found at this link.

Enjoy!