16
He will come and destroy these farmers, and will give the vineyard to others." When they heard it, they said, "May it never be!"
17
But he looked at them, and said, "Then what is this that is written, 'The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the chief cornerstone?'
18
"Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, But it will crush whoever it falls on to dust."
19
The chief Kohanim and the Sofrim sought to lay hands on Him that very hour, but they feared the people -- for they knew He had spoken this parable against them.
20
They watched him, and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor.
21
They asked him, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God.
22
Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"
23
But he perceived their slyness, and said to them, "Why do you test me?
24
Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?" They answered, "Caesar's."
25
He said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
26
They weren't able to trap him in his words before the people. They marveled at his answer, and were silent.