Scripture:
Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.
Observation:
There is so much in this chapter. We’re going to see this a lot in Marks Gospel. Mark does a really good job of giving us the information of what happens with Jesus. He is really concerned with just telling us what happens. Nothing fancy. Just here it is.
The verse I want to look more closely at is this one above. It has such a deep truth to it.
The people see that what Jesus is saying and they see something so big in it that they marvel.
Application:
So what is he saying?
He is asked about whether or not they should pay taxes to Rome. See Jesus is being viewed as a political figure, one who might save the Jews from Roman occupation and rule.
So he is trapped in this question. Should we pay Caesar taxes? If he says no – he will be arrested and killed. If he says yes, he is a sell out to Rome and not the Messiah everyone is hoping for.
Jesus relies with a question: Who’s image is on your money?
They reply: Caesar.
He says: then give to him what is his.
But then he adds this line: and give to God what is Gods.
Then they marveled. Here is why they marvel. Because Jesus turns a trap into this amazing truth: just as Caesar’s image is on the money, Gods image is on us.
Jesus is referencing when in Genesis, God says “let’s make man in our image”
You and I are made with Gods image. The imago dei. Created in his image.
What is reasonable then? We give to God what is Gods. We give our life to him because we are his. Whether we admit it or not. Whether we believe it or not. Whether we hate him or not. We are his.
Our lives are his. And he came back to rescue the imago dei. He came back to reveal to us this truth.
You are Gods. Give him what is his already.
Prayer:
I pray that I would remember this truth. That our church would give to God what is already his. Make this a reality for us each and everyday.