On Rendering to Caesar and Costly Perfumes
Posted by pastorbill09 on April 7, 2009
There are several gospel stories that are told during this week between Palm Sunday and Easter. It’s fascinating how much teaching he was able to do in those few days. Some scholars are convinced that historically Jesus would surely have been arrested immediately after the disruption in the temple. But none of the gospels present it that way.
Regardless of that, the teachings that occur during this period are significant. One familiar one has to do with whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. This was a trap, of course. If Jesus had said yes, then he would have been considered a traitor; if he had said no he would have been guilty of sedition. Instead, he asks them, (Luke 20:20-26) to produce a Roman coin. This was very clever because when they do, he has already won his argument. Without saying a word, Jesus has signalled to anyone watching that his questioners are violating purity by carrying foreign money in the temple precincts. Nonetheless his answer to them is the most important: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s” Jesus dismisses Caesar and negates his authority by relegating Caesar’s power to a mere coin. All the rest of us belongs to God.
In another scene a woman comes attends to Jesus by anointing him with oil. Her devotion is boundless as she uses an expensive ointment for this. When she’s rebuked by the disciples (John says it’s Judas) Jesus applauds her. She’s the only one in the room who knows what’s really important and where to put her treasure.
As we make our way through Holy Week, you might want to re-visit some of these stories. Read just the ones that occur after his entry into Jerusalem and before the Last Supper. You’ll find there many that are familiar and maybe a few that you hadn’t remembered. Put them all within the context of the last week of his life; you may find their meaning for you will change. This time in our journey can shape how we see things around us and especially how we understand Jesus’ life and ministry.
Peace,
Pastor Bill
