Matthew 22:15-17 NLT
“Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
Matthew 22:18, NLT
“But Jesus knew their evil motives. ‘You hypocrites!’ he said. ‘Why are you trying to trap me?’”
**Self-righteousness becomes another expression of hypocrisy, when Christians compare themselves favorably against others while ignoring the sin present within their own hearts. Selective obedience is when you’re deeply concerned about visible external standards while neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, compassion, humility, and generosity
Matthew 22:19-20, NLT
“Here, show me the coin used for the tax.’ When they handed him a Roman coin, he asked, ‘Whose picture and title are stamped on it?’”
Matthew 22:21, NLT
“‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. ‘Well, then,’ he said, ‘give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.’”
Matthew 22:22 NLT
“His reply amazed them, and they went away.”
