Read: Matthew 22:15-22
It is a steamy summer night on the streets of Los Angeles as two groups approach each other with the sole intent of payback. One group is the Crips; bandanas and chains wrapped around their necks. The other group is the Latins. Their faces tattooed and scars running up and down their forearms. It does not take a genius from the LA Task Force to figure out who these hombres are and know their plans.
2 EVIL GANGS
Sometimes you can just look at someone and know their evil intentions. In this passage two gangs of religious leaders ask Jesus, “Should we pay to Caesar or just keep the money for ourselves?” Their purpose is from the pit of hell. They think they have Jesus in an awkward position, but things reverse quickly.
THE TRAP
Honey drips off their lips as they pose their question: “Teacher, we know that You are sincere and that You teach the way of God truthfully, without concerning Yourself about [what] anyone [thinks or says of Your teachings]; for You are impartial and do not seek anyone’s favor [and You treat all people alike, regardless of status]. Tell us then, what do You think? Is it permissible [according to Jewish law and tradition] to pay poll-tax to Caesar, or not?”
CATCH-22
This is Catch-22. Jesus brilliantly counters by asking for the coin used to pay the poll tax. He asks, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” This specific coin is sacrilege to the Jews. Remember the first of the Ten Commandments? Glaring from the poll-tax coin is Caesar’s likeness; Caesar considers himself God.
GAME OVER
Jesus continues, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” Jesus’ enemies become speechless, game over.
SIGNATURE MARK
Great question, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ receive their own signature mark when birthed into the Kingdom of God. It cannot be erased. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)
HOLY SPIRIT’S INSCRIPTION SEAL
“Whose likeness and inscription is this?” The likeness and inscription seal on the life of a believer is the Person of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul writes: “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. . .. Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:15-20).
When individuals interact with you, do they wonder: “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” Do they see the likeness of a tyrant; a person consumed by the pleasures of this world? In contrast, via the miraculous sealing of the Holy Spirit, they can view the likeness of a life transformed. Let them see the image and likeness of God.
