What is Caesar’s; What is God’s
“13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax[a] to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.””
Today's passage reflects a scene where various religious and political factions each interpret and test Jesus from their own perspectives. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians joined forces to trap Him, mirroring how we sometimes categorize people or justify our own righteousness based on personal beliefs or ideologies.
In response to their challenge, Jesus says, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." With these words, Jesus avoids entanglement in their political disputes, instead offering a profound teaching on faith and spiritual essence. The coin bearing Caesar’s image and inscription represents worldly power, but human beings, bearing God's image, wholly belong to Him.
As elections approach, we often find ourselves urged to take clear political or social stances, which can lead to division and discord. But we must remember God, who reigns above all worldly matters, and affirm that our purpose and being ultimately belong to Him. While we may hold political beliefs or values within our faith, we must avoid treating them as the absolute measure of truth. When we come before Jesus, what matters most is surrendering ourselves to God with a heart of worship rather than focusing on arguments or logic.
Created in the image of God, we can only restore this image through the grace of Christ’s redemption. When we live according to God's image, we transcend all worldly issues and seek to discern and follow God’s will.
Prayer: Lord, I praise You for accepting me despite my weaknesses and for restoring and perfecting me in Your love. As one accepted by You, help me to recognize Your kingship and lordship over my life today. May I live a life of worship, understanding, respecting, and embracing others as I reflect Your image in the world.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.