The moment Jesus is shown holding a coin with Caesar’s inscription is found in Matthew 22:15-22.
In this scene, the Pharisees, along with the Herodians, attempt to trap Jesus with a politically charged question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” They hoped to catch Him saying something that would either alienate Him from the Jewish people or give the Romans a reason to arrest Him.
Aware of their malice and hypocrisy, Jesus asked them to show Him the coin used for the tax. When they brought Him a denarius, He asked, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” Jesus then replied with one of His most famous teachings: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.”

His response amazed them and left them speechless. With just a few words, Jesus upheld civil responsibility while reminding everyone of a higher spiritual accountability. This teaching powerfully illustrates the balance between respecting earthly authority and prioritizing devotion to God.
The imagery of the coin bearing Caesar’s likeness stands in contrast to humanity, which is made in the image of God. While taxes belong to earthly rulers, our hearts, souls, and lives belong to the One who created us. This moment not only outwitted His critics but also imparted enduring wisdom on how believers are to live in the world while ultimately belonging to God.