Render To God
Matthew 22:15-22 (ESV)
Paying Taxes to Caesar
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
Study Guide Questions:
Observation Questions
Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions.
What observations do you note in today's passage?
In Matthew 22, which two groups come to Jesus together, and what makes their alliance so unusual?
What details in the passage show that the question about taxes was meant as a trap and not as a sincere search for truth?
What does Jesus ask to see, and what does the coin reveal about the people questioning him?
Interpretation Questions
Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point.
What are some key points that resonated with you from the message?
Jesus calls these leaders hypocrites because their words do not match their hearts. What does that reveal about the kind of obedience Jesus is after?
Jesus says, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” How does that answer both affirm earthly authority and place clear limits on it?
Discuss the concept that Pastor Joey presented about how Jesus doesn't pick a side. Why is that important for Christians who are tempted to tie Jesus too closely to one political side, platform, or leader?
The Pharisees and Herodians marvel and then walk away. What does that response show about the difference between being impressed by Jesus and actually surrendering to him?
Life Application Questions
Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity.
What is your key take away from the message?
Hypocrisy is not only saying false things; it can also be presenting a polished version of life that does not match what is really going on inside. Where is there a gap right now between public faith and private reality?
Christian words can become easy to say while the heart stays distant. Are there prayers, songs, or habits of faith that have become routine for you? What would honesty before God look like in that area this week?
Scripture calls believers to pray for those in authority. Who is difficult for you to pray for right now, and what might it look like to genuinely ask God for wisdom and good for that person?
Believers are called to honor authority while remembering that obedience to God comes first. Are there situations in work, family, school, or public life where that tension feels especially real for you right now?