Give It Back

Read Time / 2 Minutes

Theme / Spiritual Reflection

It’s a scripture we’ve overlooked.

Common enemies joined forces to trap the most influential man in history.  Using taxes as bait, they were sure to catch Jesus in His words.

The Pharisees and the Herodians knew the pain associated with this topic and cleverly asked Jesus, “‘Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?’ But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. ‘Why are you trying to trap me?’ he asked. ‘Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.’  They brought the coin, and He asked them, ‘Whose image is this? And whose inscription?’’ Caesar’s,’ they replied.  Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s (Mark 12:14b-17).’”

We often hear this story as a call to tithe.  That’s where I believe we missed it.  

Julius Caesar put his effigy on the coin to communicate ownership and power.  Yet, God, the force who created all things, in His humility intentionally limits where his image lives. 

And where can you find it?

You.

You, according to Ephesians 2:10, are “God’s workmanship.”  In the Greek, His “poiema” — where we get the English word poem.  You are God’s extravagant poem — His creative masterpiece — and the only thing that bears the image of God.  God isn’t merely asking for you to tithe on your income.  His request is much more. He wants all of you.

It’s time.  Let’s give back to God what is God’s.  

Ryan De Amicis

Wealth Advisor

408.758.6413

ryan@christianwm.com