What’s the
Point? – The first question this encounter raises is that of intention. What
is this story about? While many sermons, commentary, and discussion jump in at the level
of Jesus’ response, the story was probably originally not so much about God and
politics as much as about deception. Matthew sets up the story so that subterfuge,
deception, and affectation creates the backdrop for the murderous attempts to quiet Jesus,
at the very least to expose him as an imposter.
Herodians and Pharisees--Together? – According to biblical
historians, the Herodians probably played no role in Matthew’s day, but the writer
has retained them from Mark for what they represent—supporters of Rome and the
Emperor. They would have supported paying taxes. The Pharisees on the other hand, had at
least some popular support precisely because they opposed and resisted Roman interference,
though they would have grudgingly paid such a tax. Matthew reveals the extent to which the
religious order was willing to go to get Jesus out of the picture. Strange bedfellows
indeed the Pharisees and Herodians!
NIB –
In the same breath in which he declares that paying taxes to support secular and
pagan governments is not against the will of God, Jesus goes beyond their original
question, declaring that what is God’s must be given to God . . . Matthew pictures
Jesus and the Christian community as belonging to a series of Israel’s prophets, who
never made a split between religion and the political aspects of life. [1]
Recall an incident growing up when
you knew you were being set up . . . what strategy did you choose to defend yourself?
- Think about a specific event—a college classroom, during a sermon, etc.—when
the speaker asked a trick question and upon your response you were left looking foolish.
How do you generally defend yourself under such circumstances?
- How do you understand Jesus's statement: "give to God what is God's?"
What does it say about human responsibility and stewardship?
Please check out this week's
stewardship sermon on this text "Trick
Question" by Rev. Gary Roth, DPS contributer
Also: Sandie Mylie’s homily,"Between a Rock and a Hard Place," maybe
helpful in thinking about how this could be presented that accurately holds up entrapment
then politics. [2]
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[1] New Interpreter’s Bible VIII (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), page 420.
[2] Abingdon Preaching Annual 2002 Edition (Nashville: Abingdon, 2001), page 365.
