For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Some people try to trap Jesus with a tricky question about money — and His answer teaches us who we belong to.
Today's Story
The leaders who didn't like Jesus tried to trick Him with a tricky question. “Teacher,” they said, pretending to be nice, “should we pay taxes to Caesar, the Roman emperor, or not?” They thought ANY answer would get Jesus in trouble.
But Jesus was wise. “Show Me a coin,” He said. “Whose picture and name are on it?” They looked. “Caesar's,” they answered. The coin had the emperor's face stamped on it.
Then Jesus gave a wonderful answer: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar — and give to God what belongs to God.” The coin had Caesar's image, so it could go back to Caesar. But guess what has GOD'S image on it? YOU do! People are made in God's image. So we belong to God, and we give Him our whole selves.
The tricky leaders were amazed and couldn't trap Him. Jesus showed that while we live in this world and follow its rules, our hearts and our whole lives belong to God.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- The leaders tried to trap Jesus, but He answered wisely. What can we learn from how Jesus handled the tricky question?
- Jesus said we're made in God's image, so we belong to Him. What do you think it means to belong to God?
- We give God “what belongs to God” — our whole selves. What are some ways we can give ourselves to God?