Charles Spurgeon Commentary Mark 12:14-15

"And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why make ye trial of me? bring me a denarius, that I may see it." — Mark 12:14-15 (ASV)

Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give?

They knew very well that if Christ said, "Do not give tribute to Caesar," the Romans would have arrested him and imprisoned him for preaching sedition. But, on the other hand, if he said, "Pay tribute to Caesar," the Jews would have said that he was their enemy and not a true patriot, for otherwise he would not have admitted that the chosen people were obligated to pay taxes to their Roman conquerors.