The Ultimate Image

Give to God a Life Lived In His Image

And Jesus answered and 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 (Mark 12:17)

The conclusions the Church has drawn from this story have been limited. We’ve either focused on the fact that the Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus, which they were. Or, we’ve focused on “we should pay our taxes” with layers of meaning – “don’t cheat on your taxes, etc. But there’s far more here, and to uncover a deeper meaning we’ll go back to the beginning of the story:

When the Pharisees approach Jesus, they’ve already been offended yet again, this time by His parable of The Wicked Vinedressers, for they know Jesus was referring to them. So they approach Him, and though the opening words they speak are true, it is flattery. Their words don’t come from love, and they come from their heart. Rather, their words are unadulterated flattery (another lesson here – learn to discern flattery) – “Teacher we know that You are true…You teach the way of God in truth…” etc. And then the Pharisees get to the real heart of the matter - their question, designed to trap Him:

“Is it lawful to pay taxes or Caesar, or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me?” Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” So they brought it. And then He said, “Whose image and inscription is this?” they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:15-17.

And perhaps the ones who marveled are the ones who understand the deeper truth here. Because He has direct access, even oneness with the Spirit of Truth that came to Him the moment He came up out of the baptismal waters, Jesus could have used any number of ways to give His response. Also, Jesus could have used any other object to make His point, but He chose a coin to make a deeper point, because He was talking about more than paying taxes.

Yes, Jesus referred to Caesar’s image, but He had a greater purpose, and Caesar’s image was a reference point and a launching point to speak of something far more important. “In whose image are you created?” He is reminding those who have ears to hear. Just as the coin bore an image, we too bear an image and a likeness that Jesus would remind us of. Because Jesus always give us far more than what we ask, think, or imagine.

In essence, Jesus is reminding us - we are created in God’s image, and just as He said “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s He is saying, ‘live your life in God’s image’ and give that back to Him. For when we bear His image well, when our lives reflect Him well, we give Him the glory that is due His name. And our lives become well pleasing unto Him. He gives us life and we give our lives back to Him. We are called to be honest and just because He is honest. We are called to speak truth because He is Truth. We are called to be givers because He is a giver. And when we do these things we become more like Him, more conformed to His image.

Know this also: No one else can express God’s image the way you can, with your uniquely designed gift mix of talents. (God has a purpose for each one of those gifts and each one of the skills He’s given you the ability to develop). And when you live your life in accordance and in unity with who He is, when you live your life as “unto Him,” you are living a life conformed to His image. This is His desire. This is His admonition, as referenced in Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Love Him well and you will bear His image well. Because love is the ultimate expression of who He is, for God is love.

To God be the glory. Let this be our story!

Meditative Verse:

And now abide faith, hope, love; these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13