Show Don't Tell: Matthew 22:15-22

Instead of saying "Jesus wisely answered about paying taxes," feel the trap closing. The Pharisees plot to entangle Jesus. They send disciples with Herodians—strange bedfellows, nationalists and collaborators together. "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity... Tell us, is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?" Perfect trap: say yes, lose the crowd; say no, commit treason. Jesus sees through their malice: "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They bring a denarius. "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's." "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." The coin bears Caesar's image—give it to Caesar. But you bear God's image—give yourself to God. They're amazed. They leave.