NARRATOR: The Pharisees went off and plotted how to trap Jesus in what he said. They sent their disciples to him, accompanied by people who sympathized with Herod.
PHARISEE 1: Teacher, we know you are a truthful person and teach God’s way sincerely. You court no one’s favor and do not act out of human respect. Give us your opinion, then, in this case.
PHARISEE 2: Is it lawful to pay tax to the emperor or not?
NARRATOR: Jesus recognized their bad faith.
JESUS: You, hypocrites, why are you trying to trick me? Show me the coin people use to pay the tax.
NARRATOR: They handed him a small Roman coin.
JESUS: Whose head is on the coin, and whose inscription?
PHARISEES: Caesar’s.
JESUS: Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but give to God what is God’s.
Matthew 22.15-21