“Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21 So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them,24 “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 26 They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.” Luke 20.20-26
Have you ever watched greatness in action? I’m thinking of some awesome athletes who, when you watch them, leave you amazed at their skill and performance—Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Caitlin Clark, and Usain Bolt come to mind. When you watch them play and perform, they almost make what they do look easy.
Jesus was no different, but He was better. Not in sports, but in how He handled those who opposed Him and His message. These were smart men He was going up against, yet when He gave answers to their questions, the Bible says they were “astonished by his answer, and became silent.”
Jesus’ response to the questions and attacks of the Jewish leaders was so potent and truthful that they were unable to give a rebuttal. He stopped them dead in their tracks. That is why the only thing they could do was to silence Him by death (again, think MLK, Charlie Kirk).
The religious leaders were not seeking to hear what God had to say to them; rather, they were looking for ways to trap Him. The evil lurking behind their words was not so hidden! They would rather accuse God’s messenger than surrender and put their faith in the Lord. All throughout history this has been the story of God’s people—sometimes even today. He offers His best to us, Jesus in this case, and we outright reject His guidance and direction.
But aren’t we thankful that Jesus came, died, and rose again for us while we were still in our sins? God knew we could not save ourselves and that, left on our own, we would fall into utter destruction. But while we were sinning, while we were rejecting God, Christ was forgiving. And Christ’s forgiveness is greater than our disobedience. Again, I am so thankful.
Knowing this makes me want to sin less and to seek to be more fully devoted to God. Do I continue to sin? Unfortunately, yes. There are times when my flesh is weak and I seem to have spiritual amnesia. “What a wretched man I am,” says Paul. But thanks be to God who granted us salvation. 1 Corinthians 6:11 reminds us, “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
God’s grace is greater than our sin. His redemption is stronger than our rebellion. His love is relentless—meaning He does not give up on His people. No matter where, no matter what, no matter who—God is present. He is here, lovingly seeking our attention so that we might fully know who we are in Him.
Turn to Him today. Seek Him. Call upon His name.
“Lord, your faithful love reaches to the sky.
Your faithfulness is as high as the clouds.
Your goodness is higher than the highest mountains.
Your fairness is deeper than the deepest ocean.”
—Psalm 36:5-6
“O Lord, thank You for receiving me back each day, each morning, with every breath, and every moment. When I am lost, You find me. When I am down, You lift me up. Your love, O Lord, is greater than all my battles. You defeated sin and death upon the cross. You restored a broken relationship with Your people. You call us to find our security in You alone. Come, Lord God, and find me willing. Fill me with Your Spirit; cover me with Your love. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen