Power and Authority

When Authority Becomes a Trap

Personal reflection · Matthew 22:15–22

Write as much or as little as you wish. Every field is optional, and you may stop at any point.

1 / 6

Observe

Jesus immediately identifies their motive, calling them hypocrites. Instead of answering the question as it was framed, He asks them to show Him the coin used for the tax.

When they produce a denarius, He asks whose image and inscription are on it. After they reply, “Caesar’s,” He delivers His response, reframing the issue around the separate claims of earthly and divine authority.

He does not choose one of the two options presented to Him. Instead, He exposes the false simplification of the question and addresses a deeper principle about the legitimate, but not ultimate, sphere of human authority.

What stands out to you about Jesus’ response in this situation?

2 / 6

Reflect

Respond to any of these questions — or none.

Am I facing a choice that feels like a trap, where all available options seem wrong?Have I stopped to question the assumptions built into a choice I am being asked to make?When I lead, do I distinguish between the authority my role gives me and an unlimited claim on the people I lead?Am I trying to force someone else into a simple 'yes' or 'no' on an issue that is actually more complex?

3 / 6

Examine

What assumptions, motives, fears, expectations, habits, or pressures may be influencing how you see this situation?

4 / 6

Pray

Ask for the discernment to see the question beneath the question.

Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity about what you may be overlooking.
Bring the people affected by this decision into prayer.

What do you want to bring into prayer?

5 / 6

Discernment pause

A brief pause to slow the decision down.

What do I know to be true?
What am I assuming?
Who is affected?
What may be influencing me?
What would alignment require?
What deserves prayer before action?

What needs further discernment?

6 / 6

Apply

Carry it forward

What difficult choice are you facing that may look different if you first examine the assumptions built into the question itself?

One step to considerIs there one conversation, action, pause, question, or responsibility you may need to consider next?

Kept on this device as you type.