“RENDER UNTO CAESAR…” Luke 20:22-25.

Posted bySteven WalesPosted inI SURRENDER ALL, Submit/Obey/Behold the Bondservant of the LordTags:, ,

Like many phrases in the King James Bible, “render unto Caesar” (give to Caesar) has become a well-known idiom, a cliché even. A politician might say it to defend a tax increase. A reporter might characterize fines paid by a factory as “rendering unto Caesar.” But what Jesus said to the Pharisees that day, some 2000 years ago, was not a cliché but a stunning, original word. It was a remarkable comment, so deep and profound, the men were left speechless. They had come to trap him, and He turned the tables. They began with flattery, then posed a trick question:

“Tell us, is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

Jesus, seeing through their duplicity, said, “Show me a coin. Whose image is this, and whose likeness?”

“Caesar’s.”

“Then render unto Caesar, that which is Caesar’s and render unto God that which is God’s” Luke 20:22-25.

Caesar’s face was recognizable, stamped on the coin—it bore his unique characteristics. Jesus says give to Caesar what belongs to him—the treasure of his kingdom—and give to God what belongs to God, the treasure of HIS Kingdom.

The words “IMAGE” and “LIKENESS” are the keys to this passage. Jesus uses Hebrew words that remind listeners of the first chapter of Genesis[1]:

“Let US make man in our IMAGE, in our LIKENESS… So God created mankind IN HIS OWN IMAGE…” Genesis 1:26-27.

Just as coins—all the treasure in the kingdom—bear the image of the king, so do WE bear the image of the King of Kings. Pay your taxes, yes. But more than that, give your life to the King who made you in His Image. You are His treasure. You belong to Him. Stop fighting the One whose image and characteristics are recognizable all over you. Surrender and render—Give up, and give over.

When those listening to Jesus heard these words, they knew He was saying in effect: give your money, your taxes, to Caesar, but give your life to the God whose image you bear.

Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s but render unto God that which is God’s.

God, help us to render unto God that which is God’s.

Read Luke 20.

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[1] I learned about the Hebrew connection to Genesis 1 from a radio broadcast of Chip Ingram.

Published by Steven Wales

Dad's Daily Devotional began as text messages to my family. I wanted my teenagers to know their father was reading the Bible. But they were at school by then. Initially, I sent them a favorite verse or an insight based on what I read each day. That grew into drafting a devotional readng which I would send them via text. I work as an attorney and an adjunct professor, and recently wrote a book called HOW TO MAKE A'S.

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