Matthew 22:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is He? "Why do you test Me, you pretenders?" Do you not notice how He now addresses them with increased severity? Their wickedness had matured and was openly displayed, prompting the Savior to delve deeper into their affliction, exposing their hidden motives and intentions for approaching Him before everyone—thus bewildering them and rendering them speechless from the very outset. He took this action to quell their fury, preventing them from inflicting further harm upon themselves through their schemes. Although they expressed great respect toward Him verbally, addressing Him as a teacher, affirming that He was righteous and impartial, He, being divine, was not misled by this pretense. Consequently, they must recognize from His words that His judgments were not based on assumptions but stemmed from an intimate understanding of their innermost thoughts.

The Herodians refer to either the soldiers loyal to Herod or individuals who believed Herod was the anticipated Messiah. When the ruler of Judah fell into poverty and Herod assumed the throne, some perceived him as the Messiah. It was with these individuals that the disciples of the Pharisees conspired to entrap Christ, initiating dialogue with Him. Seeking to flatter and disarm Him with commendation, they engaged in sycophantic conversation, hoping He would respond by saying, "It is not appropriate to pay taxes," which could then be used as a basis to accuse Him of inciting rebellion against Caesar. Consequently, they brought along Herodians, who upheld the king's authority, claiming, "You shall not show partiality," meaning He should not speak favorably to either Pilate or Herod.

Upon displaying the coin, you found yourselves outmaneuvered, compelled to confront your own deception. It was proclaimed to you at that moment, ‘Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's’ (Matthew 22:21), following your declaration that the coin displayed Caesar’s likeness. Just as Caesar desires his image to be represented on the coin, so too does God yearn to see His image reflected in humanity.

The primary quality of the One who responded was His ability to perceive the intentions of those who questioned Him, labeling them not as followers but as hypocrites. A hypocrite, therefore, is someone whose actions differ from their facade—acting in one way while feigning to be something entirely different.

When Jesus perceived their cunning, Mark referred to it as hypocrisy, while Luke described it as deceit. "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?" Your question is a façade; you seek the truth only to ensnare Me. This reveals that they cannot conceal their intentions from Him, and He responds in a manner that demonstrates their hidden motives. Notice how He does this.

However, JESUS, aware of their cunning, spoke with righteous anger, saying, “Why do you test me, how long will you continue to do so, you pretenders?” With this one scornful term, “pretenders,” the Lord immediately reveals their intentions, condemns their dishonesty, and puts an end to their arguments. Then, to have them declare their own verdict and acknowledge that they are obligated to render tribute to Caesar,

The high priests and Pharisees, embarrassed in front of the crowd by the Lord’s teachings, sought to arrest Jesus Christ and trial Him; however, they feared the very people who supported Him, hoping to witness Him as their Messiah. Consequently, the adversaries of Christ aimed to entrap Him in His words before the multitude, intending to undermine their reverence for Him and find grounds to accuse Him as a criminal (Luke 20:26).

Jesus quickly made it apparent to them that their trickery and cunning were transparent to Him. Why do you test Me, you pretenders? - He asked.

They held their breath in anticipation of a response, yet the words of Christ emerged, silencing their spiteful accusations. “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?” the Savior replied. “Show Me the coin used for the tax.” They presented a denarius, which bore the proud and striking features of Emperor Tiberius on one side, and his title, Pontific Maximus, on the other. “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” Christ inquired.

"Identifying their deceit": recognizing the slyness and malicious intentions behind their inquiry regarding the payment of taxes to Cæsar. "Why do you test Me?": why do you challenge Me in such a malign manner, attempting to entrap Me with a malicious question? "Bring Me the coin used for the tax": the Jews utilized Roman currency for state taxes, while for temple taxes, they employed their own local currency.

The heart of God clearly discerned the malevolent intentions of those who tempted Him, and as the Almighty, He could not be misled. The Lord exposed their hidden thoughts publicly, clarifying the reason for their approach, and from the outset, He confounded and silenced them. “Why do you test Me, pretenders?” He inquired, and instead of merely denouncing them, He sought to lead His questioners to their own answer, continuing: “Show Me a coin—bring Me a denarius.” They presented to Him a Roman coin, which bore the image of Caesar on one side along with the inscription.