13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man : for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth : Is it lawful to give tribute to Csesar or not?
15 Shall we erive or shall we not give ? But he, knowing their hypoc-
risy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me ? bring me a penny, that 1 may see it.
16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them; "Whose is this image and superscription ? And they said unto him, Caesar's.
17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Kendcr to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
Let us observe in the beginning of this passage, how men of different religious opinions can unite in opposing Christ. We read of " Pharisees and Herodians" coming together to " catch our Lord in His words," and perplex Him with a hard question. The Pharisee was a superstitious formalist, who cared for nothing but the outward cere- monies of religion. The Herodian was a mere man of the world, who despised all religion, and cared more for pleasing men than God. Yet when there came among them a mighty teacher who assailed the ruling passions of both alike, and spared neither formalist nor worldling, we see them making common cause, and uniting in a common effort to stop His mouth.
It has always been so from the beginning of the world. We may see the same thing going on at the present day.