Anchored 14: Whose Likeness is Inscribed on You

When the Pharisees and Herodians tried to trap Jesus with the question of paying taxes to Caesar, He pointed to a coin and asked, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” Their answer—“Caesar’s”—led to His famous reply: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

This was more than just a clever escape from their trap. It was a reminder of identity. Just as the coin bore Caesar’s image, we bear God’s image, imprinted on us from creation (Genesis 1:26). Our lives are meant to reflect His character—His love, truth, kindness, and goodness. Though sin distorts that reflection, Christ redeems and restores us to live in the likeness of our Creator.

To give God what belongs to Him is to offer Him our lives—our obedience, our love, our service. Every act of integrity, mercy, and sa ...