Jesus held up a coin

Rendering to Caesar

He asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply amazed them, and they went away. Matthew 22:20-22

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Discussion On Today's Scripture

The Pharisees were plotting against Jesus, attempting to “entangle Him in His talk”. The Pharisees, being cowards like many overly religious people, sent their disciples to Jesus with a controversial question, hoping to provoke a condemnable response.

The Pharisees’ disciples approached Jesus and presented their question with flattery to deceive Jesus, and then asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Matthew records here that, “Jesus, was aware of their malice” (Matthew 22:18) asked the hypocrites why they put Him to the test, and then proceeded to give a gospel answer that encompasses all of life.

Jesus held up a coin and it was plain to see that Caesar’s image was upon it, stamped as a sign of ownership, validating Jesus’ response to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”. That answered the deceitful question, but Jesus went one step further saying, “And give to God what belongs to God.”

Everyone would have been well acquainted with the Old Testament, and given the context, they would have understood the implication of Jesus’ statement. It was an unstated question, “Whose likeness and inscription is on you?” It was a gospel answer to a sinful question, encompassing the whole of life.

We bear the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), and we are to render unto God, that which is God’s; that would be our life. Marvel at the brilliance of Jesus today, knowing that we bear His image and likeness, and are made alive through the Holy Spirit who lives within us (I Peter 3:18).

Who’s image have you allowed to be stamped on you?