Whose Likeness?

Daily Reading: Matthew 22

Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” (Matthew 22.20-21)

Devotional Thought: There is something satisfying in a story where the haughty, self-righteous person is humbled and put in his place.  Some conceited Pharisees and Herodians came to Jesus to entangle him in his own words.  Their question about paying taxes was a ticking bomb.   The Jews were living under the thumb of the Roman Empire whose leader (Caesar) was revered as a god.  So, two groups who were normally opposed to each other, joined together to trap Jesus.  Either way he answered their question, Jesus would be in trouble.

Of course, Jesus knew exactly what they were scheming and the hypocrisy in their hearts.  He did not have to answer them but chose to do so in a way that would both silence his enemies and teach an important spiritual truth.  The denarius had Caesar’s image, therefore it belonged to Caesar – so Jesus instructs them to give to Caesar what belongs to him.  But also, give to God the things that are God’s.  This reply was simple but also profound… and it was enough to wipe the smirks from the faces of those who would try to trap him!  Jesus teaches several important truths in this encounter:

·       Jesus expected his followers to obey their rulers.

·       Jesus expected his followers to obey God, whose authority supersedes that of earthly governments.

·       In a surprising twist, Jesus expected his followers to be the image-bearers of God.  Just as Caesar’s image was on the denarius, so God’s image is on us.

Jenny Wade

Prayer: Lord, I have been made in the image of God!  What wonder!  I render myself to you that your image may be perfected in me.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 94.8-15

8 Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise? 9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? 10 He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge— 11 the Lord—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.  12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, 13 to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. 14 For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; 15 for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.