Matthew 22

“Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” (17). The Roman taxation of Judah/Israel was contentious in Jesus’ day, and patriotic Jews resisted the obligation. But Jesus refused to be dragged into such arguments. He pointed out the “image” on the Roman coin, reminding the Pharisees that life’s crucial question is not how much we pay in taxes, or even to whom, but whether we, as God’s image-bearers, are giving the Lord what is due him (21).

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (37). The big questions of life are resolved when we direct our passions toward loving God, heart-soul-mind, and loving others he created (39).