Page:Jesus of Nazareth the story of His life simply told (1917).djvu/322

 He spoke of them, and they were filled with rage; but the people were there and they could do nothing.

A party of the Herodians now came up, and one of them, bowing low before Him, said:

"Master, we know that Thou art a true speaker and teachest the way of God in truth. Tell us, therefore, is it lawful to give tribute to Cæsar or not?"

But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said: "Why do ye tempt Me, ye hypocrites? Show Me the coin of the tribute."

And they offered Him a penny.

Jesus said to them: "Whose image and superscription is this?"

They say to Him: "Cæsar's."

He said to them: "Render therefore to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's and to God the things that are God's."

What could they say? By their own law he was the owner of a country whose image and inscription were found on its coins. They were so filled with wonder at His answer, that they could neither reply nor hide their confusion. The best thing to do was to get away as fast as possible. And this they did.

Thus did His enemies come up one after another, to have their plots overthrown as easily as a child's house of cards. The people watched Him with admiration. They saw Him interrupted continually in His teaching by His malignant foes, yet bearing Himself with a royal dignity and calmness that neither insult nor cowardly cunning could disturb.

Will the people keep faithful to Him when the hour of trial comes? We shall see.

Our Lord had borne long and patiently with the Pharisees. But, seeing that they were hardening their