perpetrate by themselves a. It was in answer to a question put to him by them, that he gave the direc- tion in my text : in considering which, I will point out,
I. The wisdom of it, as a reply to the question pro- posed—
[The persons sent to him were of two widely different castes : some were Pharisees, who were adverse to the dominion of the Romans, and encouraged the people to cast off their yoke ; the others were Herodians, who were altogether in the interest of the Romans, and sought, by all possible means, to uphold their authority. Just at that time, it is probable, they were called upon to pay a tax levied by the Roman emperor ; and much difference of opinion prevailed at Jerusalem about the obligation of the people to pay it. The Pharisees and Herodians were at issue upon the subject : and this afforded the Scribes and priests a good opportunity to ensnare our Lord. They prevailed on some from each of the contending parties, to " feign themselves pious and conscientious men ;" and to go to our Lord, and submit their differences to his arbitration, under the idea that his judgment would be satis- factory and final. Accordingly they came, professing their perfect reliance on him ; who, being taught of God, must certainly know what was right ; and, being commissioned by God, would be equally unmoved by either the favour or the frowns of man : and they put the question plainly to him, " Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not ? Shall we give ? or shall we not giveb?"
Now this question was very ensnaring: for, if he should determine the point in favour of the Herodians, the Pharisees would stir up the indignation of the people against him, as an enemy to their liberties: if, on the other hand, he should determine it in favour of the Pharisees, the Herodians would accuse him to the Roman governor, as guilty of sedition. If he should decline giving any answer, then they would both of them revoke the sentiments they had expressed respecting his divine mission; and would expose him to all, as either ignorant, or actuated by fear and carnal policy. Thus, humanly speaking, it was impossible he should escape the snare laid for him. Whatever he might either do or not do, they would be sure to find occasion against him.
But Jesus " saw their hypocrisy and their wickedness ;" and, with a wisdom truly divine, bade them " shew him a penny," a silver coin current at that timec. On its being shewn him, he asked, "Whose image and superscription it bore?" They,
a See Luke xx. 19, 20. b ver. 14, 15.
c Worth about seven-pence halfpenny.