1. Whose portrait is this? (13-16)

Jesus' enemies joined forces to entangle him. They wanted to prove that he was an anti-government radical. The Pharisees and Herodians flattered him to put him off guard, and then asked him about paying taxes. No one likes to pay taxes. But Jesus held up a Roman coin, stamped with the image of Caesar. The coin belonged to Rome. Taxes should be paid. Christians should be good citizens. Jesus' challenge to Rome was not a materialistic challenge. He challenges all worldly power with his spiritual authority.

2. Give to God what is God's (17)

What is God's? We are God's, for he made us and stamped us with his image. The fruit of the vineyard belongs to God, for he is the owner. The religious and political leaders who only enjoyed their privileges, while ignoring their basic responsibilities, must give God what belongs to him.

Application: Lord, I belong to you, for you are my Creator and Redeemer. Give me faith to give to you what belongs to you. And also help me to be a good citizen.
One Word: Render to God what is God's