The Pharisees are out to trap Jesus in his own words and so set up a trick question. Is it right to pay imperial taxes to Caesar? Jesus sees through them and has them hold up a coin and asks a question, “Whose image is on this?” Jesus answers, give to Caesar what is his and give to God what is his. It is similar to two women claiming a baby and Solomon calling for a sword and threatening to cut the baby in half to appease both women. The woman who has compassion is awarded the baby.
As we look in the mirror, whose image do we see staring back at us? We are told we are made in the image of God. What does that mean to you? Certainly we do not look in the mirror and see God but we do see his creation and there is the potential for that image in the mirror to tell us something about God.
Might I suggest an experiment for reflection today?
- If you look in the mirror and see exhaustion – ask God for his strength or thank him for helping you make it through another exhausting day.
- If you look in the mirror and see worry – name it and turn it over to God.
- If you see maturity that was not there in former days – thank God for the journey and lessons.
- If you see similarity to your parents – thank God for your heritage or perhaps again ask forgiveness for their abuse.
- If you see rejection by a friend or former spouse – thank God that he does not reject you and he sees you as beautiful – amazing.
The mirror can be a place of quick prayer and a place where our image reflects back and reminds us of our relationship with God. Christ went to the cross for that person you see in the mirror! Blessings!
On the Way to Wonder 