In God We Trust – October 23, 2026
Read: Matthew 22:15-22
[Jesus said] “Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Matthew 22:19-21
In God We Trust
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
“Have you stopped cheating at games?”
If you say yes, it sounds like you used to cheat. If you say no, it sounds like you still do! “But I never cheated!” That’s a trick question—it tries to get you into trouble either way. Trick questions can be very hard to answer. Somone tries to trap you: whether you answer “yes” or “no,” you lose. The Pharisees and Herodians thought they had found a perfect trick question for Jesus. Should the Jewish people pay taxes to the Roman government?
If Jesus said “yes,” they could turn people who hated Roman rule against him. If he said “no,” they could report him to the roman government as a rebel. Either answer could get Jesus into trouble!
How foolish these two groups were to think they could trap Jesus. He asked them to bring him a coin. Whose picture and name were on it? Caesar’s! Jesus told them to give Caesar what belonged to Caesar. They needed to pay their taxes, even if they did not agree with the government.
Having answered the earthly part of their question, Jesus then taught them, and us, an important spiritual lesson. He added, “give to God what is God’s.” The coin used connected Caesar with Rome’s religion and encouraged people to view him with a loyalty that belonged only to God. Jesus was teaching that while Christians honor their government, pay taxes, and obey laws, they give their praise, worship, and trust to God alone.
What does it mean to give to God what is God’s? We need to look no further than the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods.” Martin Luther explains this commandment by saying that we should fear, love, and trust in God above all things. Earthly leaders should receive our respect. However, our government cannot take God’s first place in our hearts. But do we always put God first? Sometimes we care more about winning a game, having new things, or pleasing our friends than listening to him. We have sinned and need his forgiveness.
Thankfully, Jesus, lived the life we never could and saved us. He always put his Father first and obeyed his earthly government perfectly. He paid for every time we haven’t, through his sacrifice on the cross. Because of Jesus, God forgives us!
His love moves us to turn from sin, listen to his Word, and love others. As citizens of two kingdoms, we honor and respect the government God has placed over us. But our hearts belong to the Savior who bought us with his blood.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for caring for us through our government. Forgive us when we put other things ahead of you. Help us honor our leaders. Above all, help us trust your love and listen to your Word. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- Whose picture was on the coin Jesus asked to see?
- How can you show that God is the most important person in your life?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- What are things in your life that you are tempted to put ahead of God? How has Jesus forgiven you for those times?
- What is one way you can honor your government? What is one way you can worship God?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What are some things that compete for your loyalty and trust instead of God? How can you tell when something is becoming too important to you?
- What are some practical ways you can stay connected to God and his Word throughout the week? Choose one your family could do together.
