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October 21, 2023

To Be Known

Lyn Pace   |   Read Matthew 22:15-22

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Lectionary Week
October 16–22, 2023
Scripture Overview

Popular images often portray God as a passive grandfather figure. However, this is not the picture scripture provides. God’s presence has a profound impact on the physical world. In Exodus, Moses feels insecure about the calling on his life and asks to see God’s glory. God in part grants this request, but no one can experience the presence of God completely and live. The psalmist describes how God is exalted and how God’s holiness shakes the earth itself. The New Testament readings explore different themes. Paul opens his letter to the Thessalonians by commending them for their faith and partnership in spreading the gospel. In Matthew, the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus in his words, but he confounds their efforts.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Exodus 33:12-23. When have you struggled to believe that God is with you? How did you find a sign of God’s presence?Read Psalm 99. How has God heard your cry? How can you listen with God for the cries of others?Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. When does your faith call you to live in a counter-cultural way? How do you show the world how to live?Read Matthew 22:15-22. You belong to God. How do you feel God’s call on your life?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Matthew 22:15-22

15 Then the Pharisees met together to find a way to trap Jesus in his words. 16 They sent their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are genuine and that you teach God’s way as it really is. We know that you are not swayed by people’s opinions, because you don’t show favoritism. 17 So tell us what you think: Does the Law allow people to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18 Knowing their evil motives, Jesus replied, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used to pay the tax.” And they brought him a denarion. 20 “Whose image and inscription is this?” he asked. 21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” 22 When they heard this they were astonished, and they departed.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

They were plotting to entrap Jesus. The Pharisees sent their disciples to him and asked him a question about paying taxes to the emperor. As Jesus so often does, he used a question to foil the Pharisees’ plot to trap him. We usually see this in his parables—how he flips...

Thank you, God, for creating us in your image. Help us treat ourselves and others as if this is true. Amen.


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