And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying: teacher, 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. The flattery that precedes the trap: the Pharisees' disciples and Herodians together approach Jesus with the extravagant praise that is designed to make him feel safe from political consequences. The you do not care about anyone's opinion is the trap's setup: they are daring him to answer honestly about taxes, knowing that any honest answer creates a political problem.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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