13 Then they sent to him some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay them, or should we not?” But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why are you putting me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me see it.” 16 And they brought one. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.
Prayer Focus: Recognizing that Jesus is getting the upper hand in these debates and that the crowd is on his side, they send some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him. We have seen this odd alliance of followers of the law and political authorities before, but this time they ask a question about paying taxes. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the Romans or not? Jesus asks to see a denarius and they bring him one. Remember all this takes place inside the temple grounds where coins were not supposed to have images on them. But somehow the Pharisees and the Herodians produce a Roman coin. Jesus tells them to give to Caesar the things that bear the mark of Caesar. The things that bear the mark of God are to be dedicated to God. Pray that you might remember which mark and image you bear today.
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