July 25, 2026 · David Farmer
Inscriptions
“So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.”
Luke 20:21-26 →
## Ministers of God
Jesus’ question was, “Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” His answer was about our obligation to give ourselves to God. As Paul said, “The authorities are Ministers of God” (Romans 13:6), they are not the only Ministers of God. The authorities bring the order, structure, and enforcement of God to mankind. We are to bring His service, kindness and love to it. Paying taxes is easy to understand. Your literal currency goes from your pocket to the governments. It’s quantitative; you can count it to the cent and know you’ve done it. It’s the rendering to God part that’s harder to define.
## Inscribed For What?
The first mention of the word “inscription” in the Bible has an interesting answer for us. Exodus 39:30 “They made the plate(1) of the holy(2) crown(3) of pure(4) gold, and wrote on it an inscription(5), like the engraving(6) of a signet(7), ‘Holy to the Lord’.” This crown is the final touch for Aaron’s priestly garb marking him as set apart to the service of the Lord. So hold on! This verse is full of words that point to the purpose of the Christian’s obligation to God. Instead of dumping seven new Hebrew words on you and their respective roots, you see I’ve numbered them for ease. So the word for “plate” (1) is a flower bloom related to flourishing, shining, and sparkling. “Holy” (2) is consecrated and separate.
“Crown” (3) is the word meaning separated or consecrated that describes the Nazarite vow of Numbers 6. “Pure” (4) means to be clean and pure both physically and morally. “Inscription” (5) is related to writing or enrolling; to record. “Engraving” (6) finds its root in the concepts of opening, loosening, or freeing, and “signet” (7), a signet, is a seal, marking the sign of the one who sealed a thing. So the Church is the Priesthood of God. Can you see easily how this passage relates to the priesthood of the Christian? A Christian is to shine the Light of Jesus into the world; being separated and consecrated for His purposes through us. We are to be clean and pure in our ways. Our names are written in His book, and the way of eternal life has been opened to us. Finally, we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. So... Ministers of God are inscribed for what? To be ministers; a priesthood, servants to mankind being the go-between of God and man. A priest brings God to people and people to God.
## Self-Check
Show me a man. Whose inscription does he bear? Then render to God the things that are God’s. In separating our lives’ purpose to shining the Light of Jesus to the world, we show the world that the way to eternal life is open. Their names can be written too. Bring God to people and people to God.
## Cut To the Point