In one of their final last-ditched efforts to entrap Jesus, the Pharisees and Herodians have become frenemies! Whilst these groups were not normally allies, they are now unified in their mission with a shared enemy in Jesus. They figure now, that if they can catch Jesus deterring people from paying the imperial tax, then that will push the Roman authorities to arrest Jesus and trial him. It also may have the effect is misaligning the crowds for they hated paying such a tax. The Pharisees and Herodians are so intent, that they even try to sway Jesus into a false sense of security in order that they would garner a direct and (hopefully) indicting response. But Jesus won’t be tricked!

Taking a coin in his hand, he simply asks them, ‘Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” The answer, of course, is brilliantly clear! Caesar’s! But Jesus doesn’t stop there, concluding that not only should they pay to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but they should also give back “to God what is God’s”. Who bears God’s image? Well, we do. Therefore, whilst Caesar may have their coins, what we owe to God is our whole lives. It is because God is our creator, that the true and proper response of our lives will always be in orientation to him. We’re made to be in relationship with God. We’re made to have our lives orientated to him as our Lord.

Those watching are amazed, but hard hearts still refuse to acknowledge who Jesus truly is. AL

Questions

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you that we are created in your image. Please help us to continually reorientate our lives to you, especially that we may live for your glory and your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.