10/22/23

Matthew 22:15-22

Stewardship Moment from Pastor William

Stewardship in the Gospel

The church leaders ask Jesus a question about the legality of paying taxes. Jesus answers by asking a question about stewardship: Whose coin do you use to pay taxes? They produce a Roman coin, keeping the Temple coins in their pocket – safe and secure, unwilling to part with them. Oh yes, that’s the opposite of stewardship – they think God’s money is theirs to keep for themselves.

Stewardship in our community

Coincidentally, in this country the final deadline for filing taxes was this week (October 15). It is fairly common to cheat a little on one’s taxes – common but not morally right. Again, the opposite of stewardship.

Stewardship in practice

What does Jesus want the church leaders to do with the Temple coins in their pocket? Not hang onto them so tightly. He wants them to use God’s money for God’s purpose. God gives money so it can be used to expand God’s kingdom, not kept for self-interest.