Paying Tribute to Caesar

Discussion Questions: “Paying Tribute to Caesar”

1.      The plot.  (Read the verses outlined in blue: Matthew 22:15, Mark 12:13, and Luke 20:20) Based on the three similar versus, who were the spies mentioned in Luke’s verse? __________________________________________________

2.      Based on these three verse what is the plot the Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus with? ______________________________________________

3.      Who were the Herodians? __________________________________________________

4.      Who was the governor or Tetrarch at the time of Jesus in Galilee?  __________________________________________________

5.      The set up.  (Read the verses outlined in red: Matthew 22:16, Mark 12:14a, and Luke 20:21) Before they ask Jesus their question, what are the Pharisees and Herodians attempting to do in these verses? __________________________________________________

6.      The trap.  (Read the verses outlined in black: Matthew 22:17, Mark 12:14b-15a, and Luke 20:22) Why is this question a trap? __________________________________________________

7.      Jesus calls them out! (Read the verses outlined in green: Matthew 22:18-19, Mark 12:15b-16a, and Luke 20:23-24a) Jesus was aware of their malicious intent.  Why does Jesus ask, “Why do you test Me?” __________________________________________________

8.      Jesus calls them hypocrites. Why are they hypocrites? __________________________________________________

9.      Jesus sets up his contradiction.  Jesus asks for a denarius.  What is a denarius?  __________________________________________________

10. Jesus uses the Roman coin (Read the verses outlined in purple: Matthew 22:20-21a, Mark 12:16b, and Luke 20:24b).  Whose image is on the coin? __________________________________________________

11. What does the inscription “TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS,” on the coin say?  The other side of the coin states "PONTIF MAXIM," __________________________________________________

12. Jesus’ avoids entrapment and does not entangle his words. (Read the verses outlined in grey: Matthew 22:21b, Mark 12:17a, and Luke 20:25).  Why is Jesus’ response not a trap? __________________________________________________

13. Open ended questions.  What are the things that are Caesar’s?  __________________________________________________

14. What are the things that are God’s? __________________________________________________

15. They marveled at Jesus.  (Read the verses outlined in orange: Matthew 22:22, Mark 12:17b, and Luke 20:26)  Why were the Pharisees and Herodians marveled?  __________________________________________________