"And they brought Him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, 'Whose image and inscription is this?'" (Matt. 22:19-20).
A coin called a "denarius" was brought to Jesus. He then drew attention to the image on it and the corresponding inscription.
As I write these few words, I have next to me an actual denarius from the time of Jesus. It bears the image and inscription of Caesar Augustus, Roman emperor at the time of our Lord's birth. The denarius brought to Jesus probably bore the image and inscription of Tiberias, emperor at the time of His death.
But for something deeper, see that your heart, ever since the day of your Baptism, bears the image and inscription of Christ. A short little hymn puts it perfectly:
On my heart imprint Your image, blessed Jesus, King of grace,
That life's riches, cares, and pleasures never may Your work erase;
Let the clear inscription be: Jesus, crucified for me,
Is my life, my hope's foundation, and my glory and salvation!
(Lutheran Service Book, 422)
Let us "render to God," therefore, our love, trust, and heartfelt thanks. Use the above hymn, and add to this a humble and godly life.
