Jesus and the Pharisees: A Conflict of Kingdoms
A Historical Novel Based on the Gospels
(Matthew 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:20–26)
The morning sun streamed through the great courtyards of the temple, lighting its white stone walls with dazzling brilliance. Pilgrims pressed through the colonnades, their sandals scraping against the marble floors, the air thick with the scent of incense and murmured prayers.
In a shaded corner, a group of Pharisees huddled together, their eyes following Jesus as He taught the crowds. Their brows furrowed with frustration, their whispered debates laced with cunning.
“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words.” (Matthew 22:15)
They beckoned to a smaller group of Herodians standing nearby – men loyal to Herod and Rome, their tasselled garments gleaming with official insignia. Together, they approached Jesus, their faces arranged into masks of false respect.
“Teacher,” one of them began smoothly, bowing low, “we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.” (Matthew 22:16)
Jesus watched them silently, seeing through their flattering words into hearts coiled with deception.
“Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Matthew 22:17)
The crowds fell silent. The question cut like a blade. If He said yes, the zealots would brand Him a traitor to Israel. If He said no, the Herodians would report Him to the Roman governor as a seditious rebel.
But Jesus, knowing their malice, said:
“Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” (Matthew 22:18–19)
A Herodian reached into his pouch and drew out a silver denarius, its metal glinting in the sunlight. Jesus took it, turning it between His fingers. The crowd pressed closer, their breath held as He lifted the coin.
“Whose likeness and inscription is this?” He asked. (Matthew 22:20)
“Caesar’s,” they replied in unison. (Matthew 22:21)
Then Jesus raised His eyes, and His voice rang out, silencing every whisper in the temple courtyard.
“Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
For a moment, no one spoke. The Pharisees stared at Him, words caught in their throats, their trap dismantled with a wisdom they could not match.
“When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.” (Matthew 22:22)
As they retreated into the shadowed colonnades, their minds spun with rage and bewilderment. The Herodians slipped away towards the fortress to report their failed trap. But Jesus stood calmly among the people, the denarius still in His hand, the image of Caesar glinting in the sun as a silent reminder that earthly power is fleeting, but the image of God etched upon every human soul demands an allegiance far deeper than coins or empires.