Comment:  In one of his encounters with the unbelieving Jews, they sent forth spies to ask a question with political undertones with the hope that he would give an answer that would set the people or the Roman authorities against him. They asked him, “Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly.” By their flattery they thought they could get him to lower his guard and become their easy victim. They then asked “Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?”  What they meant, as Bible scholars explain, was it right for them as children of Abraham to be paying taxes to the Roman government?

If he said it was right, the people would not be happy with him for they hated Roman domination; if he said no,  then he would have fallen into their trap – and they would promptly report him to the governor. The record says, “But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?” He requested for a coin and having confirmed from them that the image and inscription on the coin was that of Caeser, told them “…Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.”  (Luke 20:19-27) We should not approach the work of God with craftiness but be plain and humble for God sees our hearts.  – Proverbs 15:19.