Caesar's own image was on...
Illustration
Caesar's own image was on the coin. The money belonged to Caesar and Caesar's government. Young cattle are branded. The brand clearly designates ownership of the valuable beast, and ranchers respect the brand as a clear sign of ownership. Product names are trademarked. In the eyes of the consumer, the trademark is a strong symbol that connects the product with its manufacturer. Companies, too, respect their competitor's trademarks and know not to copy a trademark, because the trademark is legally protected and used to benefit a specific company. Caesar's image, cattle brands, trademarks. All indicate ownership. But they also indicate who will eventually receive the benefit, who will profit, from the item (coin, cow, or consumer product) underlying the identifying mark. As Christians, we are created in God's image and marked with the cross of Christ in baptism. We are doubly marked as "child of God." Our lives belong to God, and faithful living gives God the glory, that God and God's people might profit from our gifts freely given. -- Spencer
