19 The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Him that very hour , and they feared the people ; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them.
20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous , in order that they might catch Him in some statement , so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor . 21 They questioned Him, saying , "Teacher , we know that You speak and teach correctly , and You are not partial e to any, but teach the way of God in truth . 22 "Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar , or not?" 23 But He detected their trickery and said to them, 24 "Show Me a denarius . Whose likeness and inscription does it have ?" They said , "Caesar's ." 25 And He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's , and to God the things that are God's ." 26 And they were unable e to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people ; and being amazed at His answer , they became silent .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 20:19-26
Commentary on Luke 20:9-19
(Read Luke 20:9-19)
Christ spake this parable against those who resolved not to own his authority, though the evidence of it was so full. How many resemble the Jews who murdered the prophets and crucified Christ, in their enmity to God, and aversion to his service, desiring to live according to their lusts, without control! Let all who are favoured with God's word, look to it that they make proper use of their advantages. Awful will be the doom, both of those who reject the Son, and of those who profess to reverence Him, yet render not the fruits in due season. Though they could not but own that for such a sin, such a punishment was just, yet they could not bear to hear of it. It is the folly of sinners, that they persevere in sinful ways, though they dread the destruction at the end of those ways.
Commentary on Luke 20:20-26
(Read Luke 20:20-26)
Those who are most crafty in their designs against Christ and his gospel, cannot hide them. He did not give a direct answer, but reproved them for offering to impose upon him; and they could not fasten upon any thing wherewith to stir up either the governor or the people against him. The wisdom which is from above, will direct all who teach the way of God truly, to avoid the snares laid for them by wicked men; and will teach our duty to God, to our rulers, and to all men, so clearly, that opposers will have no evil to say of us.