Like the time the Pharisees and the Herodians conspired to ensnare Him in His public statements (Mark 12:13). They started with flattery: "Teacher, we know you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion...but truly teach the way of God" (v. 14).
Then they set the their trap: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" If Jesus said, "Yes, pay taxes," the Jews, who hated Rome, would think He was compromising. But if He said, "No, don't pay taxes," it would sound like insurrection to the Romans.
Many a clever politician has been brought down by this very strategy. Get a person to take an untenable position, or to say something he doesn't really mean, or that seems to contradict earlier statements--trip him up and you've got him.
But Jesus saw this coming a mile away. He brushed aside their fake respect and stated plainly that He knew what they were trying to do: Why put me to the test? (v. 15a).
Then holding up a coin, He said, Whose likeness and inscription is this? (v. 16) They had to admit, "Caesar's." Effortlessly turning the tables, He revealed His spiritual mastery and exposed their corruption with a single command: Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. (v. 17).
Wow. As someone famously observed, "Your arms are too short to box with God."
