Matthew 22:1-21 ▼

1 Again Jesus spoke to them in figurative language.

2 "The Kingdom of the Heavens," He said, "may be compared to a king who celebrated the marriage of his son,

3 and sent his servants to call the invited guests to the wedding, but they were unwilling to come.

4 "Again he sent other servants with a message to those who were invited. "'My breakfast is now ready," he said, 'my bullocks and fat cattle are killed, and every preparation is made: come to the wedding.'

5 "They however gave no heed, but went, one to his home in the country, another to his business;

6 and the rest seized the king's servants, maltreated them, and murdered them.

7 So the king's anger was stirred, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burnt their city.

8 Then he said to his servants, "'The wedding banquet is ready, but those who were invited were unworthy of it.

9 Go out therefore to the crossroads, and everybody you meet invite to the wedding.'

10 "So they went out into the roads and gathered together all they could find, both bad and good, and the banqueting hall was filled with guests.

11 "Now the king came in to see the guests; and among them he discovered one who was not wearing a wedding-robe.

12 "'My friend,' he said, 'how is it that you came in here without a wedding robe?'

13 "The man stood speechless. Then the king said to the servants, "'Bind him hand and foot and fling him into the darkness outside: there will be the weeping aloud and the gnashing of teeth.'

14 "For there are many called, but few chosen."

15 Then the Pharisees went and consulted together how they might entrap Him in His conversation.

16 So they sent to Him their disciples together with the Herodians; who said, "Teacher, we know that you are truthful and that you faithfully teach God's truth; and that no fear of man misleads you, for you are not biased by men's wealth or rank.

17 Give us your judgement therefore: is it allowable for us to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?"

18 Perceiving their wickedness, Jesus replied, "Why are you hypocrites trying to ensnare me?

19 Show me the tribute coin." And they brought Him a shilling.

20 "Whose likeness and inscription," He asked, "is this?"

21 "Caesar's," they replied. "Pay therefore," He rejoined, "what is Caesar's to Caesar; and what is God's to God."