Jesus and the Coin

 

Jesus and the Coin: Recognizing Ourselves as the Imago Dei and the Call to Preserve the Image

By JK Woodall

Introduction:

In Matthew 22:15-22, Jesus is confronted with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, which provides profound insight into how we, as human beings made in the Imago Dei (the Image of God), should view ourselves, others, and the world around us. Jesus’ response about the coin and whose image is on it highlights the importance of recognizing the Imago Dei in ourselves and others, and the call to preserve and honor that image. This commentary will reflect on how we are to recognize our true identity as the Imago Dei, the dangers of distorting this image, and how we can live it out in the world.

1. The Scene: Paying Taxes to Caesar

In Matthew 22:15-22 (NKJV), we read the famous passage where Jesus is asked whether it is right to pay taxes to Caesar:

“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are true and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’

But Jesus, perceived their wickedness, said, ‘Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money!’ So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’

And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.” (Matthew 22:15-22, NKJV)

In this moment, Jesus cleverly shifts the focus from a potential political trap to a profound theological statement about authority, identity, and the nature of human beings.

2. The Significance of the Coin and the Image

Jesus asked to see a coin, which bore Caesar’s image. His question, "Whose image is this?" and the answer, "Caesar’s," provided the key to His response: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

• Caesar's Image on the Coin: The coin, bearing Caesar's image, was rightly owed to Caesar. In the same way, the things that belong to earthly authorities should be given to them. Caesar, with his image on the coin, represented temporal authority and government. However, the coin's image and inscription also point to a deeper question about ownership, identity, and divine authority.

• The Image of God: Just as the coin bore Caesar’s image, humanity was created in the Imago Dei, the Image of God (Genesis 1:26-27, ESV). We are created to reflect God’s nature and bear His image in the world. Unlike the coin, which belongs to Caesar, we belong to God, for we are made in His image. Our lives, actions, and purposes are to reflect the Creator's character.

3. Jesus' Teaching: Give to Caesar What is Caesar’s, and to God What is God’s

Jesus’ response transcends the question about taxes. His point is not just about the proper relationship between subjects and rulers, but a deeper reminder of our true identity and our duty to God.

• Rendering to Caesar: Jesus acknowledges the reality of earthly authority, recognizing the legitimacy of government and systems in their respective domains. Paying taxes, in this sense, is a way of respecting the authority that God has established for governance.

• Rendering to God: However, the more important truth here is that while the coin may belong to Caesar, our lives belong to God. The Imago Dei means we are made to reflect God’s glory, and our ultimate loyalty and responsibility lie with Him. Our lives should not be consumed with earthly matters alone but should be offered in service to God, who has created us in His image. Jesus calls us to honor God with our lives, as our true identity and purpose are rooted in Him.

In the New Living Translation (NLT), Jesus' words are recorded as:

“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Matthew 22:21, NLT)

4. The Distortion of the Imago Dei

While the Imago Dei is our true nature, sin has marred our ability to fully reflect God’s image. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:23 (NIV): “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin distorts the image of God in us, leading us to fall short of His intended purpose for our lives. The distortion of God's image can take many forms:

• Idolatry: When we place earthly things—whether wealth, power, or status—before God, we distort the image we are meant to bear. As the Israelites were warned in the Old Testament, we are not to create false images or idols but to honor the true image of God in ourselves and others (Exodus 20:4-5, ESV).

• Human Authority and Self-Reliance: Throughout human history, many have sought to claim divine status, much like Caesar did, in an effort to rule over others and manipulate the image of God for selfish gain. In doing so, they forget that we all belong to God, and no human authority should supplant God's rule over creation.

5. Restoring the Imago Dei in Christ

While humanity’s original image was marred by sin, Jesus Christ, the perfect reflection of the Imago Dei, came to restore what was lost. As Colossians 1:15 (ESV) says: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” In Christ, we see the true fulfillment of what humanity was intended to be.

• Restoration in Christ: Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers the possibility of restoring God’s image in us. As believers, we are called to live as Christ lived—reflecting God’s character and purpose in the world (Romans 8:29, ESV). In Christ, we are made new and are being transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV).

• Our Identity in Christ: By recognizing ourselves as made in the Imago Dei, we are reminded that our worth and purpose are not found in the things of this world, but in our relationship with God. Jesus’ call to give to God what is God’s reminds us that our lives are to be surrendered to Him, reflecting His glory in all that we do.

6. The Call to Preserve the Image

As bearers of the Imago Dei, we are called to preserve and honor the image of God in ourselves and others. This involves:

• Honoring God: We are to honor God with our lives, recognizing that He is the Creator, and we are His creation. Our actions, words, and thoughts should reflect His image to the world around us.

• Honoring Others: Every person is made in the Imago Dei, regardless of status, background, or condition. As we honor God’s image in others, we demonstrate love, respect, and dignity. This also calls us to fight against any form of injustice that seeks to oppress or diminish the value of human life.

• Preserving the Image: Distortion of the Imago Dei occurs when we allow sin, idolatry, or human pride to shape our lives. By living according to God’s Word and His will, we can preserve His image in our hearts and actions. This involves surrendering our lives to God, reflecting His love, justice, and mercy.

Conclusion:

Jesus’ response about the coin and the Imago Dei reminds us that while earthly authorities may claim their right to temporal things, our true identity and allegiance belong to God. We are created in His image, and our lives are to reflect His character in all we do. As believers, we are called to preserve and honor the Imago Dei—in ourselves, in others, and in the world around us—by living out the values of God’s Kingdom, which reflect His glory and purpose for all creation.