“Give to Caesar…” 29th Sunday, October 18, 2026

Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted together how they might trap Him in what He said. 16 And they *sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and do not care what anyone thinks; for You are not partial to anyone. 17 Tell us then, what do You think? Is it permissible to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He *said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” 21 They *said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He *said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”

Gospel Commentary:

This passage (the tribute to Caesar) is much more than a rule about church and state.

1. The Core Meaning

The Trap: Religious and political enemies tried to corner Jesus by asking if it was right to pay taxes to the oppressive Roman Empire.

The Coin & The Image: Jesus asked for a coin. It bore Caesar’s face, so he said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” But he added, “And to God what is God’s.”

The Hidden Truth: Caesar stamps his image on dead metal (money), but God stamps His living image on human beings. Money belongs to the state, but your whole life and dignity belong to God.

2. What This Means for BECs

We get our vaue from God, not from society: The poor and marginalized are often treated just like Caesar’s coins—used for labor or taxes. BECs remind members that your true worth comes from God, not from economic status or oppressive systems.

Responsible Citizenship: “Rendering to Caesar” means BEC members are called to be good citizens (working for the common good, paying taxes, and participating in society).

Resisting Injustice and Corruption: Caesar’s power has limits. When governments or local powers violate human rights or hurt the poor, a BEC’s ultimate loyalty is to God. Defending justice is part of serving God.

Faith in Action: The Pharisees tried to separate religion from politics. Jesus rejects this. BECs live out their faith not just inside chapels, but through social action, mutual aid, and standing up for truth in daily life.

Reflection Questions:

1. Personal Reflection Question
   What are the things or worries (like money, fitting in, or busy routines) that take up most of your attention and energy every day—and how can you put God first instead?
   
2. BEC Reflection Question
   As a community, how can we better help and protect each other when life gets hard, treating every person with the dignity that comes from God?