Give God what Belongs to God

Verses: Luke 20 : 20 - 26

My thoughts about the verses:

Let us start by saying that the Pharisees were very upset with Jesus.  They feared that Jesus would draw to much attention.  The people would want Jesus to rise and be the King that they wanted.  Yet, what they didn't understand that the Savior that was coming to save the people never desired to be an Earthly King.  Jesus came in humbleness to sacrifice his life to save the world from their trespasses against God.  It wasn't to conquer the rulers of the day but to conquer death. 

Yet, the Pharisees could not understand this.  The Pharisees tried over and over again to get Jesus to say something that they could use against him.  They did not understand that the time had not come for Jesus to perish.  When the time came Jesus would go willingly.  Until then the Pharisees could not find anything to go against Jesus.  He had to go to the cross innocent and pure.  So it was important that they were never able to trick him.

So here they go again with their tricks.  What better way to make the Romans go along with the death if they could get Jesus to say that they should not pay taxes to Caesar.  This would be tyranny and in front of witnesses they could lead Jesus straight to the government officials and have him killed.  

Yet, they did not get what they wanted instead Jesus made them look at their own hearts.  Think about this a moment.  They wanted to hear Jesus say that the money should all go to God.  Yet, what Jesus said was to give to Caesar what is Caesar.  Yet, give to God what is God's.  Therefor we are to honor the government and give them the money that they tax us.  Yet, at the same time we are to give God love and faith.  See it isn't worldly things that God wants from us.  Instead God wants a relationship.  

Imagine being one of the teachers and the thoughts going through your head.  If we give Caesar what is Caesars then what is left for God.  What they missed is that our heart and soul is what are Gods and what we should return.  Unconditional love is the one thing that God desires from us and gives to us.  Yet, there are so many that still today miss this.  

Prayer:

God we thank you for the salvation that you have given us.  We thank you for giving us love and a lasting relationship.  Dear God we pray that we return to you what you have given to us.  Help us put our love for you first so that we may have our trespasses erased.  Help us become the people that you desire.  In the name of the Savior we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Are you giving God what God has given to you?