Showing Deference to No One

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?’ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, ‘Whose head is this, and whose title?’ They answered, ‘The emperor’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When 

they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. Matthew 22:15-22

In these days when power and money are the focus of everyday life, and average, faithful people are silenced, it is reassuring to hear the religious leaders of the day knew that Jesus showed deference to no one. The Son of the living God, who knows all languages and all cultures, loves all equally and without discrimination. In times when discrimination and alienation seem on the rise, we can definitively say that is not of God, as God is love and cares for everyone. Those who have been cast out are fully children of the living God.

Loving Creator, in your kingdom all are equal

from the poor to rich, from children to elders

we are loved and honored fully and equally.

We step over others to get what we "deserve"

climbing ladders and grabbing the spotlight

while many children starve and are homeless.

Lord, turn our selfish hearts into compassionate ones

help us see the needs and respond to our siblings

for your love sees us all as deserving, beloved children. Amen.