Giving to the Owner – EGP Blog post from September 18, 2012

Luke 20:22–25 (NKJV)

^[22] Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” ^[23] But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, °”Why do you test Me? ^[24] Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” ^[25] And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Luke 20:23 NU-Text omits Why do you test Me?

Not unlike today, the money of that time had a governmental ruler’s picture on it. Jesus was saying that the money belonged to Caesar because it had his picture or “image” on it. People were created in God’s image…we belong to Him! So, if the government wants a portion of our money, let them have it, because what’s more important is that we give our lives to God!

Also, the worth of money is determined by whose picture is on it and what is inscribed upon it.

2 Corinthians 3:3 (NLT)

Clearly, you are a letter from Christ prepared by us. It is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on stone, but on human hearts.

So next time you feel worthless, remember that you are stamped with the True King’s image and have an inscription from Christ by the Spirit.