7.04.25 Luke 20:20-26

Prepare 

One thing I have asked of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to behold the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. We seek the Lord our God; with all our heart; with all our soul; with all our mind and with all our strength. Let’s seek him now. 

Read 

20: 20-26 

Reflect 

It is estimated that the UK government could get a tax revenue by £30-35 billion annually if tax evasion and avoidance stopped. This extra revenue could be used to improve public services like thew NHS, education and the bottomless potholes on Surrey roads! This passage tells us that we must fulfil our spiritual responsibilities” Give to God what is God’s” but also a clear civil responsibility. In today’s terms give to the government what is due. The Jews were not fans of the Romans and we also may not be fans of our government, but Jesus is telling us that we need to respect and obey the governing authority.  

How might this look in 2025? Do we ask for cash in hand for jobs or avoid paying subscriptions and stream TV from doggy devices to get the 3 pm football? In a roundabout way are we avoiding paying the tax? Are we honouring Caesar with what is Caesars? What did Jesus tell us to do? 

Be 

Almighty God, we come before you with hearts filled with gratitude for your boundless blessings. We offer you our lives, our talents, and our time, knowing that all we have comes from you. May we always remember that you are the source of all good, and may we use what you have given us to glorify your name and serve others. Help us to live in a way that reflects your love and compassion, and to always seek your will in all that we do. 

Become 

Let’s pray that we become more counter-cultural in honouring our civil responsibility. Do what Jesus did.  

Do  

Is there something we change, adapt, stop, pay for that may not being giving to Caesar what is Caesars? 

Practice 

Could you get involved with a campaign with Christian Aid or Tearfund to highlight social injustice, fair taxation and aid both in the UK and abroad?