But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.  Matthew 22:18-22 

Everyone wants to be innovative these days—from being the first company to introduce a new technology to being the first person with the latest and greatest cell phone. But the truth is that we didn’t invent innovation.  Jesus’ entire ministry was built on innovation, which intimidated the Pharisees. So, they devised what they thought would be a flawless attack on Jesus. The Pharisees asked Jesus a question about earthly authority versus heavenly authority, hoping to force Jesus into contradicting his earlier teachings. But as always, Jesus knew their intent, and turned their foiled plan into a creative lesson for everyone. 

Jesus’ ministry was intentionally innovative, and he was passionate about bringing the deep truths of God’s Word to the shallow waters of people’s hearts. We should be equally innovative in spreading God’s Word to the people we come in contact with each day. God has woven a thread of creativity through each of us, and he wants us to use it to draw people to him.

Lord, you have blessed me with many gifts and talents that I can use to draw people close to you. Help me to come up with innovative ways to share my faith with my friends as well as other people you have placed in my path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.