He said, "Yes." But when he went indoors Jesus spoke first; "Tell me, Simon," he said, "from whom do earthly kings collect customs or taxes? Is it from their own people or from aliens?"

Tell us, then, what you think about this. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

Or those eighteen men killed by the fall of the tower at Siloam? do you think they were worse offenders than the rest of the residents in Jerusalem?

I am speaking to sensible people; weigh my words for yourselves.

A certain

He also said: "There was a man who had two sons,

Son

Going out again at twelve o'clock and at three o'clock, he did the same thing.

It is like a man leaving his house to go abroad; he puts his servants in charge, each with his work to do, and he orders the porter to keep watch.

Well then, my beloved brothers, hold your ground, immovable; abound in work for the Lord at all times, for you may be sure that in the Lord your labour is never thrown away.

General references

But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with taxgatherers and sinners?"

Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

Now the tax gatherers and sinners were all approaching him to listen to him,