This chapter contains several more teachings and parables of Jesus. Some of the included accounts are the parable of the tenants, the greatest commandment, teaching on resurrection, warnings about scribes and self-righteousness, and teachings on money / possession.
“…some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians… came and said to him, ‘…Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?…’ Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s…’ And he… watched the people putting money into the offering box… And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins… And he called his disciples to him and said… ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had…’ ” (v13-14, 17, 41-44 abr)
Though two separate accounts, these two teachings on resources God has entrusted to us (money in this case) are intertwined. Not only does Jesus (God) commend people for correctly recognizing that which is His, He also commends those who fully commit everything that they are / have to Him.
These two teachings on surrendering our resources to God surround the greatest commandment – ” ‘ “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ “
Why surround the greatest commandment with teachings on submitting / committing everything we have to God’s service? Because we cannot keep the greatest commandment if we do not render unto God what is His (the rich young man from 10:17-21 learned this too). Let’s ask God for help in surrendering / submitting all that is “ours” to Him.
Father God, our Creator and Sovereign Lord, all that we know, understand, and possess comes from You. Our entire existence and all matter in the universe come from You alone. Please remind us that all we are and all we have is to be surrendered to You, and used obediently for Your glory. May everything we do and everything we give serve Your will and purpose, as led by the Holy Spirit. May we recognize your promptings, and honor You with our entire beings, from this day forward, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training