Matthew 22:15-22
Introduction
(1) Image is everything!
o My Struggle with Self Image (Arnold S, Martial Arts, Singers)
o Athletes, Musicians, Models, Movie Stars have lots of influence over us.
Exposition
(1) The Pharisees continue to work against Jesus. This time they include the Herodians (Jewish people who were part of King Herods lineage or a political party and thus were favored by Rome because of Herod and his rule over Jews –
a. Kapo Jews who were imprisoned Jews in concentration camps and were given authority by the SS to oversee the laborers in the camp and used all/any means necessary to ensure the camp ran smoothly)
(2) They knew Jesus valued truth above all else so they presented this question and brought this group of Herodians specifically because the question and the response was a trap. They are trying to use Jesus’ love for the truth against him.
(3) If Jesus says, “Yes pay your taxes” then he would be considered a traitor to Israel and would have been seen as being okay with Roman opporession. He would have also been aligning himself with the Herodian Jews and alienating the other Jews.
(4) If Jesus says, “No, don’t pay your taxes” then Jesus would be seen as one who was indirecting inciting a revolt against Rome which could have led him to being seen as a possible threat to Rome and face imprisonment / death. He would have been aligning with the Jews and alienating the Herodians.
(5) Jesus’ answer:
o Authority: Israel was required to pay taxes on their income.
o Image: What the inscription reads: “Tiberius Caesar, son of the deified Augustus.” The creation displays the creator – but the Roman empire was demanding to give them money (taxes) and giving money could be seen as worship since the inscription said the emperor was divine. So when it came to paying taxes they felt that it was a graven image so it broke the 2nd commandment (You shall not make for yourself a carved image… Exodus 20:4)
[The Way of Jesus]
(1) His response: Yes we should pay taxes and no we should not break the commandment. Jesus points to the image that is placed upon money – and then presses in with the question – who does this belong to? It belongs to Cesar! So, give him what belongs to him and give God what belongs to him.
Imago Dei (Genesis 1:26 and Psalm 8:4-6)
(2) The image of God (Latin: imago dei) refers to the immaterial part of humanity. It sets human beings apart from the animal world, fits them for the dominion God intended them to have over the earth and enables them to commune with their Maker. It is a likeness mentally, morally, and socially.
(3) Mentally:
a. humanity was created as a rational, volitional agent. In other words, human beings can reason and choose. This is a reflection of God’s intellect and freedom. Anytime someone invents a machine, writes a book, paints a landscape, enjoys a symphony, calculates a sum, or names a pet, he or she is proclaiming the fact that we are made in God’s image.
(4) Morally:
a. humanity was created in righteousness and perfect innocence, a reflection of God’s holiness. God saw all He had made (humanity included) and called it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Our conscience or “moral compass” is a vestige of that original state. Whenever someone writes a law, recoils from evil, praises good behavior, or feels guilty, he or she is confirming the fact that we are made in God’s own image.
(5) Socially:
a. humanity was created for fellowship. This reflects God’s triune nature and His love. In Eden, humanity’s primary relationship was with God (Genesis 3:8 implies fellowship with God), and God made the first woman because “it is not good for the man to be alone.” Every time someone marries, makes a friend, hugs a child, or attends church, he or she is demonstrating the fact that we are made in the likeness of God.
(6) Dominion:
a. Our Rule/Reign: A ruler, King is not omni-present (everywhere at the same time), so they would construct images/statues – not as a form of worship – but as a way of reminding people – this is who is in charge here.
Image Bearers (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
b. We are called to love God with:
i. Heart: Our affections, our desires, our wisdom and knowledge.
ii. Soul: The totality of our being (nephesh – thirst).
iii. Mind: Our capacities/possibilities/opportunities to love God.
