The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Matthew 22:16-21, “And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any.

17 “Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?”

18 But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, ‘Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites?

19 ‘Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.’ And they brought Him a denarius.’

20 And He said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’

21 They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.’”

It is remotely possible that the men of Biblical times spoke of money more often and more vigorously than their counterparts in today’s economy. The Bible references “money” no less than 137 times, and mostly in a negative sense! Timothy warned us that the “love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10); and Paul said, “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money…” (Heb. 13:5). Still, despite these and other salient warnings, the lust for the coin of the realm remains steadfast. The stock market, along with the virtually valueless rial of Iran, are but two of the multiple monetary “attractions” of mankind today.

Jesus Himself was not opposed to money. He knew, as do we, that no economy anywhere can survive without it. Money for food, clothing, housing, etc., has always been required. It’s the LOVE of money for money’s sake that took center focus in the views cited in the Scriptures. Jesus was offered the opportunity to express His view on the subject when the disciples brought up whether it was legal “to give a poll-tax to Caesar…”

I grew up in a family with very little money. I learned early that some things for sale were simply not worth their asking price. I can recall my grandmother speaking of “tough times.” My parents both worked, and neither my sister nor I were ever deprived of what we needed; but we were taught to value the little money that we had. “Give, and it will be given to you…by your standard…it will be measured to you…” (Lk. 6:38)

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have. – Corrie ten Boom