Mark 12:15-17 – “Bring Me a denarius to look at.’ 16 And they brought one. And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ And they said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at Him.”
As we approach another presidential election, we must ask ourselves, whose image do we want to be reflecting?
The coinage Jesus asked for had the reigning emperor’s image on it with inscriptions. One inscription attributed divinity to the emperor, the other inscription declared the priesthood of the emperor over Rome (Barclay). Since the coin had the head and inscription of the emperor on it, it was held in some sense to be his personal property (Barclay). Jesus says, ‘give to Caesar what is his, and then give to God what is God’s.’
The great failure of those who had approached Jesus was to recognize God’s image on them and therefore his rightful ownership of their lives. There is no necessary conflict between one’s civil and religious duties. However, we must never put government officials in the position of God and think they can solve all our problems. Government is given to restrain evil and Jesus Christ was given to destroy the root of evil in our hearts.
Christians are looking to Jesus’ promise for a new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). In the meantime, get out and vote, pay your taxes, serve your city well, pray for our leaders. As you go, give your heart to Jesus to reflect his goodness every day (Gal. 5:22-23).
Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope you provide for eternity. In the meantime, let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven through me. Help me to be a good citizen and then rest in your Sovereignty regarding all temporary outcomes. Amen.