Daily Devotion for April 12, 2025

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Matthew 22:15-22.

The first thing I notice in this passage is that fellow Jewish leaders were trying to “trap Jesus in his words.” It reminds me that even today, among Christians who disagree with each other, too many of us seem to be focused on trying to catch somebody in something they said so we can show them how wrong they are. I invite you to search your own heart and mind on that issue and ask the Spirit to guide you in how to better relate to those with whom you disagree.

Jesus is brilliant in his answer. As he continuously taught us, he focuses on the theology (beliefs) behind the question. On that coin was an image of Caesar. But on (or in) every person is the image of God. So give each person to God in prayer. See each and every person as one who God created and one whom God loves. See that person in the same way that Jesus saw every person. Jesus was willing to give himself in sacrificial love for every person. He saw the image of God in them. May we also see with that same eyesight and know that they belong to God.  

Personal Worship Option:

Every so often, I sing this prayer I learned growing up in church. It was written by Clara Scott. I’ve mentioned it here several times before and invite you to sing it again:

Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth thou has for me; place in my hands the wonderful key that shall unclasp and set me free.

Open my mouth, and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere; open my heart and let me prepare love with thy children thus to share.

Silently now I wait for thee, ready, my God, thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!