Chapter 66—Controversy
This chapter is based on
Matthew 22:15-46
;
Mark 12:13-40
;
Luke
20:20-47
The priests and rulers had listened in silence to Christ’s pointed
rebukes. They could not refute His charges. But they were only the
more determined to entrap Him, and with this object they sent to Him
spies, “which should feign themselves just men, that they might take
hold of His words, that so they might deliver Him unto the power and
authority of the governor.” They did not send the old Pharisees whom
Jesus had often met, but young men, who were ardent and zealous, and
whom, they thought, Christ did not know. These were accompanied
by certain of the Herodians, who were to hear Christ’s words, that they
might testify against Him at His trial. The Pharisees and Herodians
had been bitter enemies, but they were now one in enmity to Christ.
The Pharisees had ever chafed under the exaction of tribute by
the Romans. The payment of tribute they held to be contrary to the
law of God. Now they saw opportunity to lay a snare for Jesus. The
spies came to Him, and with apparent sincerity, as though desiring to
know their duty, said, “Master, we know that Thou sayest and teachest
rightly, neither acceptest Thou the person of any, but teachest the way
of God truly: is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no?”
[602]
The words, “We know that Thou sayest and teachest rightly,” had
they been sincere, would have been a wonderful admission. But they
were spoken to deceive; nevertheless their testimony was true. The
Pharisees did know that Christ said and taught rightly, and by their
own testimony will they be judged.
Those who put the question to Jesus thought that they had suffi-
ciently disguised their purpose; but Jesus read their hearts as an open
book, and sounded their hypocrisy. “Why tempt ye Me?” He said;
thus giving them a sign they had not asked, by showing that He read
their hidden purpose. They were still more confused when He added,
“Show Me a penny.” They brought it, and He asked them, “Whose
512