New International Reader's Version

Matthew 22:12-23 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

12. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man couldn't think of anything to say.

13. "Then the king told his servants, 'Tie up his hands and feet. Throw him outside into the darkness. Out there people will sob and grind their teeth.'

14. "Many are invited, but few are chosen."

15. The Pharisees went out. They made plans to trap Jesus with his own words.

16. They sent their followers to him. They sent the Herodians with them. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of honor. You teach the way of God truthfully. You don't let others tell you what to do or say. You don't care how important they are.

17. Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

18. But Jesus knew their evil plans. He said, "You pretenders! Why are you trying to trap me?

19. Show me the coin people use for paying the tax." They brought him a silver coin.

20. He asked them, "Whose picture is this? And whose words?"

21. "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. And give to God what belongs to God."

22. When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

23. That same day the Sadducees came to Jesus with a question. They do not believe that people rise from the dead.