Jesus and Caesar's coin

[ayin jade]

The three accounts in the gospels are at the end of the discussion below. I read an article this summer which mentions this view. I thought it was interesting and decided to pass this along, in my own words.

Herodians (pro Roman supporters) and Pharisees try and trip Jesus with a question regarding taxes. Matthew and Mark use the word for "ensnare". Luke says they tried to "seize upon a word of His, that they might deliver Him in this way to the power and authority of the governor".

Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar? If Jesus says no, that it is not lawful in God's eyes to pay tribute/ taxes, then the Herodians will see this as a revolt against Rome. If Jesus says yes, it is lawful to pay taxes, then the Jews will see this as a sign that Jesus thinks they are to willingly live under foreign rule.

Jesus asks whose likeness is on the coin. The answer is Caesar. Matt 22: 21b Then He said to them, Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's.

Render to Caesar that which bears his likeness, that which is his. The coin. The question is, what about the second part of Jesus' answer. Render unto God the things which are His. There is meaning in this.

What bears the image of God? Think back, to the very beginning. Genesis 1: 26a And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.

We are made in the image of God. Jesus is telling his audience to render unto God the things that are God's: us. All along, Jesus has preached the need to repent and turn to the Lord. Even in this scene, He emphasizes a need for us to turn to the Lord, to give ourselves back to Him.

Great answer.

Matthew 22: 15 Then the Pharisees left and took counsel that they might entangle Him in words. 16 And they sent their disciples out to Him along with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that you are true, and that you teach the way of God in truth. Nor do you care for anyone, for you do not regard the person of men. 17 Therefore tell us; what do you think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why do you tempt Me, hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tribute money. And they brought a denarius to Him. 20 And He said to them, Whose image and inscription is this? 21 They said to Him, Caesar's. Then He said to them, Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's. 22 When they heard these words , they marveled, and they left Him and went away.

Mark 12:13 And they sent certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to Him, to catch Him in His words. 14 And coming, they said to Him, Teacher, we know that you are true and you care about no one. For you do not look to the face of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, Why do you tempt Me? Bring me a denarius so that I may see. 16 And they brought it . And He said to them, Whose image and inscription is this? And they said to Him, Caesar's. 17 And answering Jesus said to them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at Him.

Luke 20:19 And the chief priests and the scribes sought to lay hands on Him the same hour. And they feared the people, for they perceived that He had spoken this parable against them. 20 And they watched and sent forth spies, pretending themselves to be righteous men, so that they might seize upon a word of His, that they might deliver Him in this way to the power and authority of the governor. 21 And they asked Him, saying, Teacher, we know that you say and teach rightly, and do not accept the person of anyone, but truly teach the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar or not? 23 But He perceived their craftiness and said to them, Why do you tempt Me? 24 Show Me a coin. Whose image and inscription does it have? They answered and said, Caesar's. 25 And He said to them, Therefore render to Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's. 26 And they could not take hold of His words before the people. And they marveled at His answer and were silent.

[nebula]

We are made in the image of God. Jesus is telling his audience to render unto God the things that are God's: us. All along, Jesus has preached the need to repent and turn to the Lord. Even in this scene, He emphasizes a need for us to turn to the Lord, to give ourselves back to Him.

That's so cool!

Thanks for sharing!

[Guest shiloh357]

I really enjoyed that! Thanks Jade!

[HisWordIsSufficient]

Hey that's great!

Thanks

[yomotalking]

Thanks for sharing!

[Matthitjah]

Amen sister Jade.

[sisterinchrist]

very good, I really enjoyed it.....