Whose is this Image and Superscription? (Evening Program)

In this evening program, the words of Jesus in Matthew 22—“Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s”—become the starting point for a powerful reflection on image, power, and devotion. Drawing on both scripture and history, the exhortation explores how rulers of the past projected their image to secure authority, yet ultimately revealed their selfishness and pride. The lesson challenges us to consider whether we are shaped by the values of Caesar, or by the character of God, in whose image we are made.

Through vivid accounts of Roman emperors such as Julius Caesar, Augustus, Nero, Hadrian, and Constantine, the lecture exposes the hollowness of worldly power and the dangers of seeking glory for ourselves. Their images, stamped on coins and monuments, served only to magnify their egos. By contrast, disciples are called to project an image consistent with godly character—humility, service, and devotion—bringing glory not to man but to God.

The exhortation leaves us with a searching question: when others look at us, do they see Caesar’s image, or do they see the reflection of God’s likeness? Each of us must decide whether our lives are directed toward self-interest, or toward honoring our Creator in all that we do.

This description has been generated by AI and lightly edited.