“15Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. 16And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. 17Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. 22When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.” (Matthew 22:15-22)
The Pharisees try to impeach Jesus and have him accused of rebellion. They ask Jesus whether it’s right for Jews to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus replies: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” In Jesus’ eyes, there is no contradiction between civil duties and faith—and he advocates for this clear distinction. Mundane issues may be entrusted to Caesar; God takes care of all spiritual needs. The same Pharisees who had tried to incite Jesus to speak out against Roman authority are amazed by his wisdom and rhetorical skills. Having nothing left to argue, they continue on their way. Divine abundance manifests in our daily reality, as well as in the spiritual work we do that brings us closer to God.
The critical roles of precision and punctuality are clear in nature and apply equally to our own lives.
