Lesson From a Coin: Luke 20:21-26
“21) They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. 22) Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 23) But He detected their trickery and said to them, 24) “Show Me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” 25) They said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 26) And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, they became silent.” Luke 20:21-26
Jesus saw right through their flattery and empty words. They did not see Him as a teacher from God who was correctly speaking the truth. They viewed Him as an enemy. They were plotting His destruction.
In trying to trip Jesus up, they posed a political question. They were trying to accuse Him of insurrection against Rome. They asked if it was lawful to pay tax to Caesar.
A more accurate way of asking this question would be; “According to the Jewish Law, are we compelled to pay tax to Caesar and Rome?” It was a loaded question. The chief priests, scribes, elders and Pharisees all despised Rome and debated this issue, but they wanted to pin the rebellion on Jesus.
The response of Jesus was masterful. He said to them, “Show Me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” Of course it had Caesar’s likeness minted right on the coin. Jesus then said; “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
In doing so He went way back to Genesis 1:26-27. He pointed out that mankind was created in the image of God. The implication was obvious; then it is ok to give coins to Caesar, but set yourself aside for God.
The truth of being created in the image of God has profound implications. Mankind is superior to any and every other earthly life form God created. We did not evolve from the lowest life form, rather we were created in the likeness of the highest life form. Let that truth sink into your world view!
Whichever of these two basic premises you accept determines your view of morality, identity, purpose, dignity, value and potential. This is the root tension in our modern world between humanism and theism.
Satan has tampered with and twisted this core premise from the beginning of human civilization. (Study Romans 1:18-32) Rejecting Creator God and aligning with the animal kingdom has fueled human decline and depravity from the time of the fall.
The gospel, salvation and regeneration involves a realignment with the image of God. It includes a return to Gods original design and purpose for mankind. It involves discovering and submitting to the Word and ways of God. It calls for sincere worship of God, service of God and presenting your body as temple of God through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
This simple teaching by Jesus includes a call for you and me to align ourselves with original design and purpose. Redemption includes a journey through the Holy Spirit into the intended purpose, fullness and dominion of God originally given to Adam. (See 2 Peter 1:2-4)
When properly understood, the emphasis of this illustration by Jesus is on “being” above “doing.” He wants us to experience the fullness of our recreation through the gospel. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)
We have barely cracked the surface of this teaching by Jesus. Use this short illustration by Jesus as a personal starting block into a new life. Embrace your full potential of being a new creation “in Christ” through the Spirit.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“21) They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. 22) Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 23) But He detected their trickery and said to them, 24) “Show Me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” 25) They said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 26) And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, they became silent.” Luke 20:21-26
Jesus saw right through their flattery and empty words. They did not see Him as a teacher from God who was correctly speaking the truth. They viewed Him as an enemy. They were plotting His destruction.
In trying to trip Jesus up, they posed a political question. They were trying to accuse Him of insurrection against Rome. They asked if it was lawful to pay tax to Caesar.
A more accurate way of asking this question would be; “According to the Jewish Law, are we compelled to pay tax to Caesar and Rome?” It was a loaded question. The chief priests, scribes, elders and Pharisees all despised Rome and debated this issue, but they wanted to pin the rebellion on Jesus.
The response of Jesus was masterful. He said to them, “Show Me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” Of course it had Caesar’s likeness minted right on the coin. Jesus then said; “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
In doing so He went way back to Genesis 1:26-27. He pointed out that mankind was created in the image of God. The implication was obvious; then it is ok to give coins to Caesar, but set yourself aside for God.
The truth of being created in the image of God has profound implications. Mankind is superior to any and every other earthly life form God created. We did not evolve from the lowest life form, rather we were created in the likeness of the highest life form. Let that truth sink into your world view!
Whichever of these two basic premises you accept determines your view of morality, identity, purpose, dignity, value and potential. This is the root tension in our modern world between humanism and theism.
Satan has tampered with and twisted this core premise from the beginning of human civilization. (Study Romans 1:18-32) Rejecting Creator God and aligning with the animal kingdom has fueled human decline and depravity from the time of the fall.
The gospel, salvation and regeneration involves a realignment with the image of God. It includes a return to Gods original design and purpose for mankind. It involves discovering and submitting to the Word and ways of God. It calls for sincere worship of God, service of God and presenting your body as temple of God through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
This simple teaching by Jesus includes a call for you and me to align ourselves with original design and purpose. Redemption includes a journey through the Holy Spirit into the intended purpose, fullness and dominion of God originally given to Adam. (See 2 Peter 1:2-4)
When properly understood, the emphasis of this illustration by Jesus is on “being” above “doing.” He wants us to experience the fullness of our recreation through the gospel. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)
We have barely cracked the surface of this teaching by Jesus. Use this short illustration by Jesus as a personal starting block into a new life. Embrace your full potential of being a new creation “in Christ” through the Spirit.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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