Jesus had attacked the orthodox Jewish leaders by telling the story of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32). The Jewish leaders are the son who did not do the father’s will. Then he told the story of the wicked husbandmen (Matthew 21:33-46). Again, the religious leaders are the bad guys! In the story of the King’s feast (Matthew 22:1-14), they are the condemned guests who turn down the invitation.

In the Scripture for today, we see the Jews launching their counterattack - they go at him by asking him embarassing questions in public. The Pharisees ask, "Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

In debate we would call this a dilemma question. If he said that they should not pay it, they would report him to the government. If he said that he should pay it, the peo…