Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to…
“Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jesus challenges the question of paying taxes to Caesar, exposing hypocrisy and emphasizing spiritual allegiance over political compliance.
In simple terms: Jesus shows that loyalty to God outweighs worldly obligations.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize spiritual integrity over political pressure.
Themes
faith
politics
hypocrisy
Mood
thoughtful
critical
inquisitive
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government mandates
- religious practice
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
civil obedience
religious authority
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true allegiance look like today?
- How do we balance civic duties with moral convictions?
A Different Perspective
The context of Roman rule complicates the issue; modern parallels differ.