What does Luke 20:20-26 mean?

²⁰ And they watched him, and sent forth 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. ²¹ And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: ²² Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? ²³ But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? ²⁴ Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. ²⁵ And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s. ²⁶ And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace. (Luke 20:20-26 KJV)

Paying Taxes to Caesar

We have here Christ evading a trap his enemies set for him with a question about paying tribute. This event is also recorded in Matthew and Mark.

I. The mischief they intended is described in more detail here (Luke 20:20). They planned to hand him over to the governor’s authority. They couldn’t lawfully execute him themselves or stir up a dependable mob, so they hoped to accuse him before the Roman authorities. They aimed to provoke the governor against him. It has often been the tactic of religious persecutors to use civil authorities to accomplish their malicious goals, making political powers carry out their plans. Christ’s own prediction—that he would be delivered to the Gentiles—was being fulfilled by their twisted strategies.

II. The people they sent. Matthew and Mark mention Pharisees and Herodians. Luke adds that they were spies pretending to be sincere. It’s nothing new for wicked people to disguise themselves as righteous, masking evil intent with flattering behavior. Satan can appear as an angel of light, and a Pharisee can speak like a disciple of Christ. These spies acted like they respected Jesus’ judgment and sought his advice on a matter of conscience. Ministers must be cautious and discerning when dealing with people who pretend to be just, especially in a world full of deceit.

III. The question they posed, hoping to trap him.

1. Their introduction was flattering: “Master, we know that you speak and teach rightly” (Luke 20:21). They hoped to get him to speak freely and carelessly. But Jesus was not swayed by flattery and did not value praise from hypocrites. While it was true he taught the way of God truthfully, he knew they weren’t seeking truth but hoping to trap him.
2. Their question was tricky: “Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar?” They were proud and greedy, unwilling to pay taxes, and tried to justify it by questioning its legality. If Christ said it was lawful, the people might turn against him, expecting their Messiah to resist Roman rule. But if he said it was not lawful, as they hoped he would, they could accuse him before the governor.

IV. Christ saw through their trap (Luke 20:23). No scheme against him can be hidden. He rebuked them—“Why are you testing me?”—and asked for a denarius. He questioned them: whose image and inscription does it bear? They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then he said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Since they used Caesar’s money and accepted his governance in civil matters, they owed him tribute. But in spiritual matters, only God is King. They were not obligated to adopt Caesar’s religion, but must give God their hearts and worship as he commands.

V. The result (Luke 20:26):

1. The trap failed—they couldn’t catch him in anything he said.
2. Christ was honored—they marveled at his wise and flawless answer.
3. They were silenced—they had nothing more to say and didn’t dare ask him anything else, fearing further embarrassment.