Last week of Jesus' Ministry
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Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus
The Pharisees began to plot how they might trap Jesus with his own words.
They sent out some of the younger Pharisees, thinking Jesus would be more likely to answer their questions because they looked like students.
They came and found Jesus and said to him:
I know you teach only what is true and pleasing to God. Tell us then, is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
Jesus knew they were being wicked and crafty. He knew the hypocrisy that was in their heart and he said to them:
Why are you trying to put me on trial, you hypocrites? Show me the tribute money. Bring me a coin.
Once Jesus had the coin, he asked:
Whose image and name is on the coin?
The Pharisees answered:
Caesar.
Jesus said:
Give to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar and give to God the things that belong to God.
The Pharisees were not able to find any fault with that and marveled greatly at his answer. They became silent and left.