Matthew, 22
21. They say to him: Caesar's. Then he saith to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God, the things that are God's.
21. They say to him: Caesar's. Then he saith to them: Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God, the things that are God's.
In St. Matthew 22, Jesus continues to teach the multitudes with parables and answers various questions of the Pharisees and Sadducees, including the question about what is the largest commandment of the law. Jesus emphasizes the importance of love for God and neighbor, and warns against religious hypocrisy. Here are five verses related to the topics covered in this chapter:
Leviticus 19:18: "They do not vingue or keep a grudge against someone of their people, but love each one as their own as themselves. I am the Lord." Jesus quotes this commandment when asked what is the greatest commandment of the law, emphasizing the importance of love of neighbor.
Psalm 118:22-23: "The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone. This comes from the Lord, and is something wonderful in our eyes." Jesus uses this passage to refer to himself as the cornerstone rejected by religious leaders, but chosen by God.
Isaiah 45:22-23: "Go back to me and be saved, all of you, ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. That will not be revoked: before me every knee will bend and every language will confess that I am God. " Jesus uses this verse to affirm his divinity and the need to turn to Him to salvation.
Proverbs 22:16: "He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and gives gifts to the rich man will surely end in poverty." Jesus condemns the religious hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who boast an appearance of mercy as they exploit the poor and justify their behavior.
Isaiah 64:6: "We all become an unclean being, and all our good works are like filthy rags; we all wither as leaves, and as the wind our iniquities lead us away." Jesus warns against self -justice and confidence in our own good works, emphasizing the need for God's grace and mercy for salvation.
“Temos muita facilidade para pedir, mas não para agradecer”. São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
