We dont see the need to give to those that dont deserve it. Regardless, authorities over us have a purpose. As best as possible, give to them what are theirs, be it respect, obedience, effort, time, etc: eg parents, employers, governments.... but remember all belongs to God, so always put God in the foremost of our thoughts and actions... what does God want in any scenario?

1. Should
we pay
taxes to
the
emperor?
21st Sunday after Pentecost: 22nd October 2023

2. Governments today….

3. Today…
What does God’s Word have to say to us today?
Matthew 21:23 - 32

4. 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted
to entrap him in what he said.
22:16 So they sent their disciples to him,
along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher,
we know that you are sincere, and teach
the way of God in accordance with truth,
and show deference to no one; for you do
not regard people with partiality.
22:17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it
lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or
not?"
22:18 But Jesus, aware of their malice,
said, "Why are you putting me to the test,
you hypocrites?

5. What is the message for TODAY?
Some questions meant to trap…
In a world where the authorities are not godly, how do
we decide who to serve?
Are we like the questioners?
Do we struggle with the same questions?

6. 22:19 Show me the coin used
for the tax." And they brought
him a denarius.
22:20 Then he said to them,
"Whose head is this, and whose
title?"
22:21 They answered, "The
emperor's." Then he said to
them, "Give therefore to the
emperor the things that are the
emperor's, and to God the
things that are God's."
22:22 When they heard this,
they were amazed; and they
left him and went away.

7. What is the message for TODAY?
Jesus reminds those who seek to trap Him
We are in the world, so we have responsibilities
Many may think: Aha! Segregation of responsibility!
Actually No.
Everything belongs to God …
since the beginning and in the end!

8. What is the message for TODAY?
Caesar’s

9. What is the message for TODAY?
Caesar’s
God’s

10. What is the message for TODAY?
Government
Citizens
Employers
Employees
Parents
Children

11. What is the message for TODAY?
Government
Citizens
Employers
Employees
Parents
Children
God’s

12. What is the message for TODAY?
So who gets the coin*??
Our efforts, our allegiance/loyalty, our time,
Our money, our attention
Our affections, our families
Our resources, everything…
CONCLUSION?
Give to God what belongs to God!

13. Verse 1
Salvation belongs to our God
Who sits upon the throne
And unto the lamb
Praise and glory, wisdom and thanks
Honour, and power, and strength

14. Chorus:-
Be to our God forever and ever
Be to our God forever and ever
Be to our God forever and ever
AMEN

15. Verse 2
We the redeemed shall be strong
In purpose and unity
Declaring aloud
Praise and glory, wisdom and thanks
Honour, and power, and strength!