Made in His Image

           This week in the readings we were told the story of Jesus being tested by the Pharisees (well, one such story).  The scribes and Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by asking him whether they (the Jews) should pay taxes to Caesar.  If Jesus responded yes, he would be viewed as a friend of Caesar (not good in the eyes of the Jews).  If he said no, he would be a political rebel (the Pharisees could turn him into the police).  They set him up for a lose- lose situation.

Picture via religious forums 

            Jesus, being the boss that he is knew what they were up to and outsmarted them.  He responded, “Whose head is this, and whose title?”  They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (MT 22:21)    In this time rulers would put their image on coins showing their ownership of the money and dominion over those using it.  If something was emblazoned with a ruler’s image that meant it belonged to them and was owed back to them (taxes). 

            Jesus’ response not only answers the question asked but provides us insights into how we are meant to live.  First, he avoided being labeled a political rebel by giving the OK to pay taxes.  Secondly, he called the people to return to God things emblazoned with his image.  We are all made in the image of God, we are God’s property and we owe ourselves to him.  It is answers like this that make me think, “Oh that Jesus, he is so clever!”  He uses the cultural customs of the time to teach and add complexity to his answers.   Obviously, it is more than being clever but still I love being reminded how much cooler and smarter Jesus is than I am. 

            Basically, Jesus has called all of us out.  He has called us to forfeit our worldly possessions.  We are not of this world and therefore should not be dependent on “stuff”.  I am not saying that we are all supposed to live in poverty and give away all of our possessions; I am saying that we need to not feel like our world is ending if we have to go without the latest and greatest.   He has also called us out to pay God back what belongs to him (namely ourselves).  We have been called to live the life mapped out for us by Christ, a life of service; service of God and service of others. We have been called out to give ourselves to God.

            So, what are we going to do? Are we going to just think it is a nice story and ignore it? Will we try to radically change our lives?  Honestly, I am always a little scared to change my life too much, but Jesus tells us BE NOT AFRAID!

           What have you learned from this week's readings?  Do you go to daily mass or read the readings at home?  how can we give ourselves back to God?  Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Drop me a line in the comments below!