“Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matt. 22:19-21)

Ravi Zacharias’ point went as follows (paraphrased):

The questioners missed out on this one. They forget to ask a follow up question. Stunned by Jesus’ wisdom, they do not ask the question:  “Well then, what belongs to God?” I wish they had, then Jesus could have replied: “Whose likeness do you bear?” We can’t forget that we were made in the image of God, and therefore we are to render what is due to Him–ourselves.

I had to push pause and think on this one. It was an interesting, insightful, and new take on a passage I have read at least a dozen different commentaries on. I thought it was well worth sharing with you all.

Plain and simple, “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due.”  When Christians fudge on their taxes, it sends the message that morality is relative when personal gain is involved.  It sends the message that money is more important than integrity.  The IRS should be the last thing on the mind of the Christian filing his return, for “God will judge the secrets of men.” (Rom. 2:16)  The believer who has withheld earnings, not reported income, over deducted, etc. must face the following question, “Why would God bless your financial life/business when you have been dishonest in your management of what you currently have?”