Mark 12:12-17

Jesus was questioned about taxes Mark 12:12-17: Some of the Pharisees and the Herodians were sent to Jesus for the purpose of entrapping Him in His speech. Their trap was baited with false flattery. They said, "Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth." Solomon said, "A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet." (Proverbs 29:5)

Their question for Jesus was, "Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" They thought they had Jesus in a dilemma. They thought that He might say "Yes." If He said yes they believed that the Pharisees and the people would turn on Him. They also thought that there might be the possibility that He would say "No." If He said no that thought the Herodians and Romans would turn on Him. Jesus did not answer them directly. Instead He asked them to show Him a piece of money. The people marveled at Him when He said, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."