Luke 20

“Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (25). Jesus’ answer to the question about taxes (22) was not just a “gotcha” reply, although he astonished and silenced his opponents (26). In fact, Jesus answered questions, like the one about marriage (33) out of a heart devoted to God and completely in tune with God’s ways. The Pharisees and others wanted loopholes, relief from taxes, excuses to justify selfish choices – but Jesus wanted to accomplish the Father’s will.

“Who gave you this authority?” (2). Jesus’ authority came from being the Son of God, at one with the Father. We extend his authority by speaking and living as people who know him, love him, and desire his will above our own.