Matthew 22:16-18

New International Reader's Version

¹⁶ They sent their followers to him. They sent the Herodians with them. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of honor. You teach the way of God truthfully. You don’t let others tell you what to do or say. You don’t care how important they are. ¹⁷ Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay the royal tax to Caesar or not?”

¹⁸ But Jesus knew their evil plans. He said, “You pretenders! Why are you trying to trap me?