Matthew 22:15-22

Matthew 22:15-22

[15] Then  went  the Pharisees,  and took  counsel  how  they might entangle  him  in  his talk.  [16] And  they sent out  unto him  disciples  with  the Herodians,  saying,  Master,  we know  that  true,  and  teachest  the way  of God  in  truth,  neither  carest  for  any  man: for  thou regardest  not  the person  of men.  [17] Tell  therefore,  What  thinkest  Is it lawful  to give  tribute  unto Caesar,  or  not?  [18] But  Jesus  perceived  their  wickedness,  and said,  Why  tempt ye  ye hypocrites?  [19] Shew  the tribute  money.  And  they brought  unto him  a penny.  [20] And  he saith  unto them,  Whose  is this  image  and  superscription?  [21] They say  unto him,  Caesar's.  Then  saith he  unto them,  Render  therefore  unto Caesar  the things which are  Caesar's;  and  unto God  the things that are  God's.  [22] When  they had heard  these words, they marvelled,  and  left  him,  and went their way. 

What does Matthew 22:15-22 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The dialogue continued in the temple courtyard. Israel"s leaders proceeded to confront Jesus three times attempting to show that He was no better than any other rabbi. Jesus responded with great Wisdom of Solomon , silenced His accusers with another question of His own, and disclosed His identity again in a veiled way.
"Jesus was going to die as the Lamb of God, and it was necessary for the lamb to be examined before Passover ( Exodus 12:3-6). If any blemish whatsoever was found on the lamb, it could not be sacrificed. Jesus was examined publicly by His enemies, and they could find no fault in Him." [1]