Reflecting on Luke 20:20-26“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Luke 20:25)
Jesus answers their trick question with a trick answer.
If Caesar had heard Him, he would not had a problem with Jesus.
The answer sounds like Caesar is being affirmed as ruler.
Some people say that Jesus is teaching submission to all rulers.
But there is something revolutionary in what Jesus says.
If the coin with the image belongs to Caesar, what about people?
Jesus’s Jewish audience would be familiar with the image of God.
We are created with God’s image and inscription on us: we belong to God!
Not even Caesar is free from this, and is made to submit to God.
Yet Caesar, and the religious leaders, hold back people from God.
They use and abuse people, treating them as less valuable than themselves.
They separate people into citizens and slaves, holy and unholy.
Jesus is urging people to treat all people as God’s treasured possessions.
This is God-like human authority and power, how rulers ought to rule.
Give to both God and people what they are due: love, honour, respect!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, this is not a political platform, it is truth for living in all dimensions of life. Including politics, religion, marriage, family, economics, education, international relations, healthcare, creation stewardship, science... Give to God and people what they are due: love, honour and respect!
This is God’s world. He created all things, including mankind. We need to honour Him always. Even today, man works hard to protect the creation – conservation, protecting eco-systems,. . . He needs to do the same with mankind – love one another. Promote peace and harmony. We are not kings of our castles but stewards, servants doing what the Lord of creation desires.