WHOSE IMAGE DO YOU BEAR? Matthew 22:15-22 (Tribute to Caesar?)
T – The Trap of Hypocrisy (Matthew 22:15-18)
- Where do you see similar “traps” of flattery or loaded questions in today’s religious or cultural conversations?
- How can we examine our own motives when we ask spiritual questions or challenge others?
- Why is it significant that Jesus named their hypocrisy instead of ignoring it?
- How does knowing God sees the heart free us from needing to impress people?
A – Acknowledge Legitimate Earthly Authority (Matthew 22:19-21)
- What does “render to Caesar” look like practically for Christians today (taxes, laws, civic participation)?
- When might civil obedience conflict with obedience to God? How do we navigate that tension biblically?
- How does Romans 13:1-7 or 1 Peter 2:13-17 reinforce Jesus’ teaching here?
- In what ways can we honor earthly authorities while still holding them accountable under God’s higher authority?
X – eXamine Whose Image You Bear (Genesis 1:26-27)
- What does it mean to you personally that you are made in God’s image?
- How does remembering whose image you bear change the way you view money, time, or influence?
- In what areas of life are you tempted to “carry Caesar’s coin” more than display God’s image?
- How can we encourage one another to live more intentionally as image-bearers of God?
E – Everything Ultimately Belongs to God (Matthew 22:21)
- What are some “things of Caesar” that people treat as ultimate today?
- How does the truth that everything belongs to God affect the way we handle possessions, careers, or relationships?
- Where do you sense divided allegiance in your own life right now?
- What practical step could help you re-center on God’s total claim on your life this week?
S – Surrender Yourself Fully to God (Matthew 22:22)
- What does full surrender to God look like in everyday decisions?
- Why do you think the religious leaders “marveled and left” instead of responding with faith?
- What area of your life is hardest to fully surrender right now?
- How can this community of faith support one another in living out “render to God the things that are God’s”?