But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them,
We have here Christ's evading a snare which his enemies laid for him, by proposing a question to him about tribute. We had this passage before, both in Matthew and Mark. Here is, I. The mischief designed him, and that is more fully related here than before. The plot was to deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor, Luk 20:20.
Commenting on Luke 20:20-26
And they could not take hold of his words before the people,.... Which was what they wanted; that if he had dropped any seditious and treasonable expressions against the government, they might be witnesses against him; or if he had not vindicated the liberties of the people, and the rights of the Jewish nation, these might be exasperated against him, and leave him: and they...
ENTANGLING QUESTIONS ABOUT TRIBUTE AND THE RESURRECTION--THE REPLIES. (Luke 20:20-40) sent forth--after consulting (Mat 22:15) on the best plan. spies--"of the Pharisees and Herodians" (Mar 12:13). See Mar 3:6.
Commenting on Luke 20:20-40