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Different people have different reasons for asking different questions. Some people ask questions because they do not know and they want to learn. On the other hand, there are some people who ask questions even if they know the answer. They are out to catch a mistake out of an answer. The Pharisees in the gospel were asking Jesus a question not because they did not know the answer. They knew the answer but they wanted Jesus to commit a mistake. It was a question that called for a damn-if-you-do, damn-if-you-don’t answer.
At that time, the Romans occupied Israel illegally. Because of this, there is a pervading sentiment of resentment against the Romans. The Israelites rebelled as they were taxed by the Romans. They knew that the Romans did not have any right to do so.
On the other hand, there was a group of people within Israel who were contented with being part of the Roman empire. There was division. Some people wanted to pay taxes and recognize Rome. So then a question is asked, “Lord, should we pay taxes?” If the Lord said yes, half of the population would run after Him. If He said no, the other half will do the same.
It was a no-win situation but here we have an insight into the wisdom of God. The Lord said, “Look at the coin. Whose image is on the coin? If the image of Caesar is on the coin, the coin probably belongs to Caesar. Give it back to Caesar.” God does not issue coins as far as I know. But according to the Book of Genesis, a human person is created according to the image and likeness of God. Every human person carries the image of God. Therefore, every human person is the coin of God. As the coin carries the human person who is the image of God you give the coin to God. You give yourself totally to God.
God cannot be satisfied with a donation. God cannot be satisfied with a contribution. God goes for the total gift of self. It is very easy to please and to worship God when he is asking for small sacrifices. But when the sacrifices become heavier and bigger, it also becomes more difficult to follow the will of God.
God can only be satisfied when the image of God imprinted on ourselves will be returned completely to Him without any conditions. God is asking for the gift of total self. You are created according to His image. The coin that carries Caesar give to Caesar. You carry the image of God, give to God what is God’s.
USELESS QUESTIONS
Mt 22:17
Jesus In My Heart
