Render Unto Caesar
Show Me the coin used for the tax.” Matthew 22:19 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus says, 'Show Me the coin used to pay the tax.' They hand Him a denarius.
By producing the coin, they show they're already part of the system they're questioning. Jesus is already turning the tables.
Jesus asks for a simple object that will unravel the entire trap.
The fact that they had the coin in their pocket already answers part of the question.
Jesus requests the coin (nomisma) used for the tax — a denarius — forcing His opponents to produce the Roman coin and thereby implicate themselves in the system they question.
By asking them to produce the coin, Jesus demonstrates that they already participate in the Roman economic system, weakening their moral ground.
Jesus requests a visual aid that will become the key to His brilliant response.
Jesus turns the trap around by making His opponents produce the very coin that proves their complicity in the system.
17So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
18But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me?
19Show Me the coin used for the tax.”
20“Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?”
21“Caesar’s,” they answered.
Read all of Matthew 22 — A wedding banquet, a trick question about taxes, and the greatest commandment — Jesus outmaneuvers every trap set for him.
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