22-Oct-23 (Matthew 22:15-22)

In today's story from the Gospel, some folks asked Jesus about paying taxes. Now, just as it is now, in Jesus' day, people didn't really like paying taxes. These folks were trying to catch Jesus because, no matter what Jesus said, they could make him seem wrong. Except Jesus didn't respond the way they expected. He said, "Give the government what the government what it rightly deserves and give to God what God rightly deserves."
So, what do you think God rightly deserves from us? [wait for answers]
That's right -- our worship, our praise, and for us to serve God and others -- that's what God rightly deserves from every one of us.
Let's talk to God about that.

God, we thank you for Jesus, who shows us how to serve you and others, who shows us how to worship you as you deserve. Help us to remember to give you what you rightly deserve from all of us.
We pray in Jesus' name.
AMEN.