What Jesus Did! 'Amazed!' — Luke 20:20-26

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Watching for their opportunity, the leaders sent spies pretending to be honest men. They tried to get Jesus to say something that could be reported to the Roman governor so he would arrest Jesus. "Teacher," they said, "we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us — is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

He saw through their trickery and said, "Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?"

"Caesar's," they replied.

"Well then," he said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God."

So they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent.

— Luke 20:20-26 NLT

Key Thought

Isn't it interesting that Jesus' public ministry is ending very similarly to the way it began — with people being amazed at his teaching? [1] The smartest and the best tried to trap him in social and religious conflict. [2] But, Jesus' answers were not only wise; they were also true. Seek your answers in him, and let him silence your doubts and answer the questions of your heart.

[1] Mark 1:21-22.
[2] For example, Matthew 16:1-4, 19:3-8, 22:23-30; Luke 11:53-54; John 8:3-11.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, please help me find my answers in Jesus as I seek your truth. In his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 4:22, 32, 36
  • John 6:60-69
  • Matthew 28:18-20

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 20:20-26 NLT — "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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