Luke 20:20-26

Luke 20:20-26

[20] And  they watched  him, and sent forth  spies,  which should feign  themselves  just men,  that  they might take hold  of his  words,  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  to give  tribute  unto Caesar,  or  no?  [23] But  he perceived  their  craftiness,  and said  unto  them,  [24] a penny.  Whose  image  and  superscription  hath it?  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. 

What does Luke 20:20-26 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Luke showed how the religious leaders" antagonism was intensifying against Jesus. This was another attempt to discredit Him (cf. Luke 20:1-8). Luke may have included it also because it shows that Jesus did not teach hostility toward the state. The early Christians likewise suffered because of false accusations that they opposed their government, but this was generally untrue.