Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



Jesus answered them, "Let me also ask you a question. If you answer it, then I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Where did the immersion of John come from? From heaven or from men?" And they discussed this among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'from heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe his message?' But if we say, 'from men,' we are afraid the crowd will oppose us because they all consider John to be a prophet." read more.
So, they answered Jesus, "We do not know [where John got the authority for his immersion]." Jesus then replied to them, "[Then] neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things [i.e., miracles and teaching].

But, should we say 'from men' [instead]?" Now they feared the people, for all of them considered John to be a true prophet. Verse ConceptsFearing Other PeopleIndividual ProphetsMan's Teaching

And they [i.e., the leading priests and experts in the Law of Moses] attempted to arrest Jesus, but [hesitated because] they feared what the crowd might do, for they understood that He was speaking the parable against them. So, they left Him and went away. Verse ConceptsCrowdsPharisees, Attitudes To Jesus ChristTeachers Of The LawProper UnderstandingArresting ChristFearing Other PeopleJesus Using ParablesLeaving People Alone

But if we say, 'from men,' we are afraid the crowd will oppose us because they all consider John to be a prophet." Verse ConceptsCowardiceDisadvantages Of CrowdsFearing Other PeopleIndividual ProphetsMan's Teaching

The leading priests and experts in the law of Moses heard this and began looking for some way to kill Jesus, because they were afraid of Him, since the whole crowd was amazed at His teaching. Verse ConceptsScribesTeachers Of The LawMalice, Examples OfAmazement, Of Jesus ChristCrowds AmazedChrist TeachingChrist Would Be KilledFear Of ChristOpposition To Christ From Scribes

Jesus answered them, "Let me also ask you a question. If you answer it, then I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Where did the immersion of John come from? From heaven or from men?" And they discussed this among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'from heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe his message?' But if we say, 'from men,' we are afraid the crowd will oppose us because they all consider John to be a prophet." read more.
So, they answered Jesus, "We do not know [where John got the authority for his immersion]." Jesus then replied to them, "[Then] neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things [i.e., miracles and teaching].


Then the Pharisees conspired as to how they could trap Jesus by what He said. So, they sent their disciples, [along] with the Herodians to Him [Note: These were members of a political party favoring King Herod], saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and that you teach the truth about God's way. You do not care for [i.e., do not fear or give in to] anyone or allow the position of any person to influence you. So, tell us what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" read more.
But Jesus perceived their wicked intention and said, "Why are you putting me to a test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for paying taxes." And they brought to Him a coin [Note: This coin was equivalent to one day of a farm laborer's pay, or about $60-$84 in 1994]. He said to them, "Whose image and inscription are on this coin?" They answered Him, "Caesar's." Then He replied, "Pay to Caesar whatever belongs to Caesar and pay to God whatever belongs to God."