Luke 20:19-26

19The scribes and the chief priests tried to [find a way to] arrest Him at that very hour, but they were afraid of the people; because they understood that He spoke this parable against them.

20So they watched [for a chance to trap] Him. They sent spies who pretended to be upright and sincere, in order that they might catch Him in some statement [that they could distort and use against Him], so that they could turn Him over to the control and authority of [Pilate] the governor.

21They asked Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and that You show no partiality to anyone, but teach the way of God truthfully.

22Is it lawful [according to Jewish law and tradition] for us to pay taxes (tribute money) to Caesar or not?”

23But He saw through their trickery and said to them,

24“Show Me a [Roman] denarius. Whose image and inscription does the coin have?” They answered, “[the Emperor Tiberius] Caesar’s.”

25He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

26They were not able to seize on anything He said in the presence of the people; and being unnerved at His reply, they were silent.