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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Watch Out — Word Games Are Often Mind Traps
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
""Well then," [Jesus] 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....."
'The Last Straw'
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, After My triumphal entry, Jerusalem was a tangle of tension and evil plotting. Look at a few excerpts from Luke's descriptions of the...."

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, November 18, 2023

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 7:13-14
"Jesus said, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads....."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God's Grace Is for Everyone!' (Acts 10:34-35)
"[When Cornelius told Peter about his vision instructing him to send for Peter,] Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Richard DeHaan:
"Only those whose souls have struck the deepest notes of penitence can reach the highest notes of praise."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Rescues Us and Carries Us' (Ps. 68:19-21)
"Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death....."

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.

More What Jesus Did!