The attempt to trap Jesus continued. Having failed themselves, the religious leaders sent some Pharisees and Herodians. Perhaps they thought the combination of the theological and political would be more successful.
They started off by flattering Jesus, perhaps trying to lull Him into a false sense of security. The fact that they thought this might work shows how little they understood.
After the flattery comes the question, should we pay taxes to Caesar? This is why the Pharisees and Herodians were there. From a religious perspective an answer of yes would upset the Pharisees, from a political perspective an answer of no would anger the Herodians. The Jews hated the Roman occupation, but the Herodians had come to an accommodation with the Romans and did not want to upset them.
So once again Jesus outwits them. "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's".
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