"Giving to God What Is God's"

In this beautifully layered and deeply pastoral sermon, Reverend Holt explores the meaning behind Jesus’ provocative statement: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” He leads the congregation to ask the implied question: What bears the image of God? The answer, he explains, is humanity itself—made in God's image (Genesis 1:26–27). If Caesar’s image on the coin warrants giving it back to him, then we who bear God’s image are called to give our very selves back to Him in worship.

From that powerful launching point, Holt moves back into the Exodus story, where Moses pleads for God's presence to remain with His people despite their idolatry at Sinai. He contrasts Moses' deep intimacy with God with the Israelites’ rebellion, showing that true leadership doesn’t settle for personal piety alone—it intercedes on behalf of others. Holt shares his own pastoral desire that St. Mark’s not only have a spiritually grounded rector, but a spiritually grounded people.