Paying Taxes to Caesar

(Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:19–26)

15 Then the Pharisees went out [and] conspired to trap [Jesus] in His words. 16 They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and [that] You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. 17 So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

18 But Jesus knew their evil intent [and] said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me? 19 Show Me the coin used for the tax.”

And they brought Him a denarius.[fn]

20 “Whose image [is] this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?”

21 “Caesar’s,” they answered.

So [Jesus] told them, “Give to Caesar what [is] Caesar’s, and to God what [is] God’s.”

22 And when they heard [this], they were amazed. So they left Him [and] went away.