This week we have a guest post by Lincy George Santhosh.Wife to a Spirit-filled and anointed man of God, Evng. Santhosh Varghese, Lincy is an anointed youth leader and has been instrumental in bringing many youngsters back in the Shepherd’s fold. She is a mentor and spiritual mother to the youth group in her church called Gideonites and is also a core member of the Rebuilders Group. Lincy also works as HR- head with Ushta te Consultancy Services.
I love the way Jesus replied to every question posed by his criticizers in the gospels. More than the question, Jesus was interested in the heart behind the question. And so His replies always left his opposers dumbstruck.
Jesus or Caesar (World): Whose shoes do you want to step in?
One of my favourite encounters of Jesus and His critics is when they tried to trap Him in His words by asking Him about paying tax to Caesar. (Matthew 22:15-22, Mark12:17)
The plot is pretty interesting. Pharisees sought power under the pretext of being religious. Herodians sought power under the pretext of being allies to Roman Empire. The fight between them was never ending. But now they had a common enemy – Jesus.
Jesus, who rewrote every rule they imposed in the society; Jesus, who walked with unmatched authority was clearly a threat to them and thus they shook hands to bring Him down.
Here are 3 things that this portion of Scripture taught me:
First, Character speaks louder than mere words
I was taken aback when I learned that the meaning of the word Pharisee is ‘Set Apart’. What an irony! There is thin line between being ‘set apart’ for the Lord and from being a ‘hypocrite’.
If you are set apart then the only thing than can stop you from being a hypocrite is humility and obedience. Humble enough to consider, appreciate, accommodate other people around you; and obedient to the Word of God; exactly the way God intended it to be.
We often preach Christ through words but forget to reveal Him through our deeds. The only way to express our love to God is through obedience. Let us be set apart not just by mere words but let our character be the same as of Jesus.
Second, do not allow fame to victimise you
Who doesn’t love fame? The disciples of Pharisees flattered Jesus; however Jesus knew that their intent was evil. Fame doesn’t last long; its corruptible and one who craves it endangers his own character. He constantly will be pursuing to maintain or achieve it.
There’s lot that we can learn from the life of Jesus. Every time Jesus did a miracle, instead of basking in His own glory, He would go to secluded place and pray. Whenever fame comes your way, take a pause and look at the face of Jesus. When you pursue Jesus instead of fame, you exhibit His humility. Never succumb to pride, but surrender to Jesus.
Third, you belong to Him. Walk in total surrender
Jesus said, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” in response to their conformation of the image on the coin. So if the coins belong to Caesar since its bore his image; then the question is what belongs to God?
We belong to Him – the ones created by Him for Him and in His own image. Anything that has Caesar’s image (Read: World’s image) does not belong to GOD.
What does the imprint on your heart read? Does it say Jesus?
It’s time we make ourselves available to God. Scripture says that we ought to have compassionate hearts, humility, meekness, kindness, patience and above all love that binds us all. Let us exhibit these values and align our priorities to God’s agenda. Let’s walk in His image and when the world looks at us they will see Jesus and not Caesar.
Thought to ponder: Are you revealing Christ through your life?