Section 7
were defeated by the Man-Savior, the Pharisees and the Herodians tested Him (20:20-26). The Pharisees, a religious party, were patriotic and faithful to the Jewish community. The Herodi ans took sides with King Herod's regime and took part with him in infiltrating the Jews with Grecian and Roman manners of life. They sided with the Sadducees, but were opposed to the Pharisees. But here they joined with the Phar isees to ensnare the Lord Jesus. They worked together in the attempt to carry out a plot to trap the Man-Savior.
According to verses 21 and 22, the Herodians and the Pharisees questioned the Lord, saying, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly, and do not accept man's person, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" This was truly an ensnaring question. Paying taxes to Caesar was opposed by the Jews. If the Lord Jesus said that it was lawful to do this, He would offend the Pharisees. But if He said that it was not lawful, He would give the Herodians, who stood with the Roman government, ground to accuse Him. By asking the Lord such a question, they exposed themselves as being base, dishonest, and insid ious.