The Pharisees did not repent at Jesus’ parables. Instead, they joined with the Herodians (Herod represents amoral authority) in order to try and catch Jesus in a flattering trap. Should we pay taxes or not (15-17)? Either answer Jesus gave would undermine his influence, so they thought.

Jesus turned their trap into an opportunity to address a deeper issue. They fixated on the matter of taxes, which is related to Caesar, without any sense of the greater problem and narrative in their hearts and country. Jesus asks, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” Economics may be the purview of Caesar in which we participate at Caesar’s pleasure and rule. But the real issue is this: whose image and inscription do we bear?

We are made in God’s image (Ge 1:26-28), to reveal his glory by our obedient stewardship of God’s will on earth which is to receive the good news of forgiveness and freedom through Jesus Christ. In short, we belong to God, and therefore are to give ourselves to God. We give much attention to economics and concerns of this world. But what of the matter of greater importance? How am I giving myself to God, in practical obedience?
Application: Father, thank you for rebuilding your image in us through the gospel of Jesus. I’m often anxious and concerned for this world. Help me trust that I belong to you and so give myself to you daily.
One Word: Give to God what is God’s, ourselves