17-18 But Jesus didn’t back down. “Why, then, do you think this was written:

That stone the masons threw out—
It’s now the cornerstone!?

“Anyone falling over that stone will break every bone in his body; if the stone falls on anyone, he’ll be smashed to smithereens.”

19 The religion scholars and high priests wanted to lynch him on the spot, but they were intimidated by public opinion. They knew the story was about them.

Paying Taxes

20-22 Watching for a chance to get him, they sent spies who posed as honest inquirers, hoping to trick him into saying something that would get him in trouble with the law. So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you’re honest and straightforward when you teach, that you don’t pander to anyone but teach the way of God accurately. Tell us: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Bible: Large Print Edition
The Message Bible: Large Print Edition
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $39.99
Save: $10.00 (20%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gift and Award Bible, Softcover, Black
The Message Gift and Award Bible, Softcover, Black
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $6.99
Save: $1.00 (13%)
2.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message, Large Print, Brown Trio Leather-Look
The Message, Large Print, Brown Trio Leather-Look
Retail: $64.99
Our Price: $51.99
Save: $13.00 (20%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Devotional Bible LeatherLike, Brown
The Message Devotional Bible LeatherLike, Brown
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $32.99
Save: $7.00 (18%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Soft Imitation Leather, Color Spectrum
The Message // REMIX 2.0, Soft Imitation Leather, Color Spectrum
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $24.00 (60%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars