Gospel

Luke 20:19-26 (NRSV)

19When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay
hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.

20 So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so
as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21So they asked him, 'Teacher, we
know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of
God in accordance with truth. 22Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?' 23But he perceived
their craftiness and said to them, 24'Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?' They said,
'The emperor's.' 25He said to them, 'Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God
the things that are God's.' 26And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said;
and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.