Loving God, in the midst of worries and uncertainty, you come to us, reminding us that we belong to you.  By your Spirit, empower us to share your love with all people, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

            Sometimes, there are so many things going on that our minds and hearts are pulled in a whole bunch of different directions all at once.  There are chores that need to be done, bills that need to be paid, affairs that need to be looked after, and a shortage of time and energy to do it all.  Meanwhile, people are dealing with illness and grief and mental health issues and stress.  At the same time, the world seems to be going to hell in a handbasket, with climate change, natural disasters, war, terrorism, hate and greed all vying for our attention.  And then, each week, the Sunday readings come our way, sometimes seeming immediately relevant, and sometimes not.  Still, there is always something there that God wants us to hear.

         For those who are feeling a little unsure of themselves these days, or perhaps feeling like they are in over their head, we have Moses.  Moses – in spite of all of the miracles he has witnessed so far – is not sure whether God will go with them through the wilderness or not.  Of course, there was that whole incident with the golden calf where God might, understandably, be angry – but still – there was the burning bush and the Red Sea and the pillar of cloud and fire!  However, in spite of all that has already happened, Moses feels the need to see the glory of God (Ex. 33:18).

         The Almighty – who is used to human frailties and failings – responds to Moses’ request with one caveat:  Moses will see God’s back rather than God’s face, for those who see God’s face shall surely die (Ex. 33:20).  The outcome, however, is this: Moses catches a glimpse of God’s glory and goodness, and is renewed for the difficult days ahead.  How many of us could use a similar glimpse of God’s goodness and glory?

         Then, of course, we come to today’s gospel, which seems to hit us squarely in the wallet.  Once again, Jesus is having a discussion with the religious leaders – and also with the Herodians, which means an interesting mix of religion and politics!  They are convinced that they have come up with the perfect question to entrap Jesus in what he says: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” (Mt. 22:17). 

         If Jesus says “yes,” then he would be contradicting all of his teaching about worshipping and serving God above all else – not to mention angering all of the people who are sick to death of the Roman oppressors!  If Jesus says “no,” then he is obviously guilty of treason against Rome.  What they have not considered is that there might be a third and more creative way to answer the question.

         “Show me the coin,” says Jesus.  “Whose head is this, and whose title?” (Mt. 22:20).  Being a Roman coin, of course it is the emperor whose head and title appear there.  “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mt. 22:21).  Isn’t that amazing?  And what are we supposed to do with this response?

         Had the Pharisees and Herodians been sincere in asking their question, there might have been some further conversation with Jesus about what his answer actually means.  After all, all of the Roman coins had the emperor’s head on them, while the earth and all that is in it belongs to God (Ps. 24:1).  In fact, if we’re being really honest with ourselves, there is nothing we can give to God that doesn’t already belong to God.  In this, however, is good news, for we, too, belong to God through Jesus.

         No matter what it is that is going on around us or that is happening in our own lives, God has said to each one of us, “I have called you by name, you are mine” (Is. 43:1).  This is God’s message to every person who is baptized and has put their faith in Jesus, and it continues to be true when we are going through trials and tribulation.

         However, the fact that we belong to God also means that we are called to live in a way that reflects our faith in Jesus.  This does not mean, “Make what you can, can what you make, and sit on the lid.”  This does not mean holding on tightly to our wallets, in case God, or anybody else, might try to get in there and take it from us.  In fact, it is not our wallets that God is after, but our whole lives – all that we have and all that we are (sundaysandseasons.com).  We are called to use what we have been given in such a way that God is glorified and the love of Jesus is made known through us.

         This includes such mundane things as paying our taxes – which is supposed to be for the benefit of all!  It also includes using our time, talent and treasure to share the love of Jesus with as many people as possible.  And so, whether it is a glimpse of God’s glory that we need, or a reminder that we belong to God, both are there in today’s readings.  In response, we are invited to pray, to be aware of God’s gifts, and to share God’s love with all people, by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Lectionary 29(A)                              Matthew 22:15-22

October 22, 2023                             Exodus 33:12-23

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church

Pastor Lynne Hutchison

© 2023 Lynne Hutchison  All Rights Reserved