Bible Reading
Matthew 22:15-22 “Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.”
[40:05]Exodus 33:12-23 “Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”
[34:45]1 Thessalonians 1:2-7 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”
[44:56]Observation questions
- In Exodus 33:12–23, what does Moses want to know about God, and what does God offer him while setting a limit on what he can see? [36:31]
- In Matthew 22:15–22, how is the question about Roman taxes meant to trap Jesus? What risks would a simple yes or no create? [40:47]
- How does Jesus use the image on the coin to shift the conversation from paying taxes to what belongs to God? [41:42]
- In 1 Thessalonians 1:2–7, what qualities does Paul recognize in the believers, and whose example have they begun to follow? [44:36]
Interpretation questions
- Why is God’s promise of goodness and presence a meaningful answer to Moses, even without a full view of God’s face? How might this help a believer who wants certainty before trusting God? [38:32]
- How does the connection between Caesar’s image on a coin and God’s image in human lives challenge the idea that faith belongs in one compartment and everyday responsibilities in another? [42:35]
- Why might practical care help an uncertain visitor understand Christ’s love in ways that statements of belief alone cannot? How does this connect with the faith, love, and hope Paul recognizes in the Thessalonians? [45:09]
- What distinguishes humility about God’s mystery from silence when someone’s dignity is threatened? How can Christians avoid claiming to possess God while still standing beside people who are mistreated? [47:43]
Application questions
- Think about a recent interaction at home, at work, or online. What might that person have learned about Jesus from your words and actions? Is there anything you would like to handle differently next time? [34:33]
- Where do you find yourself wanting to have God completely figured out? What might it look like to listen with greater humility while continuing to trust God’s goodness? [37:15]
- Everything belongs to God, including our relationships, responsibilities, and futures. Which part of your life is hardest to entrust to God right now, and what small step might express that trust this week? [42:35]
- Is there someone whose dignity you find harder to honor because of political disagreement, immigration status, or another difference? What would treating that person as someone who bears God’s image look like in a real encounter? [43:22]
- Who in your church or neighborhood might need more than a friendly greeting—perhaps companionship in grief, practical help, or a welcome beyond familiar circles? What could you or this group offer that would genuinely help? [45:28]
- Where might the Holy Spirit be inviting you to offer an apology rather than defend yourself, or to serve without expecting anything back? What makes that step difficult, and what support would help you take it? [49:00]
