LUKE 20:19-26
WHAT DO WE OWE CAESAR?
February 1, 2015
Todd Chapman
Luke 20:19-26 ESV: [19] The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. [20] So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. [21] So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. [22] Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” [23] But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, [24] “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” [25] He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” [26] And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.
In another attempt to trip up Jesus, his opponents get even more creative. Jesus, not surprisingly, diffuses their trap while revealing how those who treasure him live in a secular society.
- Jesus’ opponents set an elaborate trap.
- Jesus diffuses the threat while promoting a principle by which his disciples should live.
- Paul develops Jesus’ thought. . .