Luke 20:20-26
Because Jesus’ story put religious leaders in a bad light, they sought opportunity to arrest Him by
trapping Him in His words. Their questions were not probative for information, but insincere intending to
trip Him so they could have Him arrested. They asked Him, “Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or
not?” (22). Detecting their trickery, He asked for a coin and asked whose image was on it. After they
said,”…Caesar’s’” (24b), Jesus said, “…Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God
the things that are God’s.’” (25). Jesus’ answer put the ball back in their court and did not really answer
the question. In fact His answer intensified their hatred eventually leading to His crucifixion, resurrection
and out pouring of the Holy Spirit. Like what occurred in Joseph’s life, what religious leaders intended
for evil, God used for good.