Seeing Right Through Their Ways
The Pharisees and Herodians went to Jesus and said, "Teacher,
we know that you are an honest man. You are not afraid of
what other people think about you. All men are the same to
you. And you teach the truth about God's way. Tell us: Is it
right to pay taxes to Caesar? Yes or no? Should we pay taxes,
or should we not pay taxes?" But Jesus knew that these men
were really trying to trick him. Jesus said, "Why are you
trying to catch me saying something wrong? Bring me a silver
coin. Let me see it."
-- Mark 12:14-15 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus saw through the scheme behind the question of the Pharisees and
supporters of Herod. He knew their question wasn't an honest one. They
weren't looking for God's answer to that question; they were looking
for a way to trap him. The followers of Herod would have demanded that
they pay tax to keep the Romans appeased. The Pharisees would deeply
resent having to pay tax to anyone, especially the Romans. By teaming
up, they thought they had Jesus trapped into an answer that would
alienate one or the other. Instead, Jesus confronted them with the
truth of their deception and then challenged them with the truth.
(Jesus' truth, his answer, comes in the following verses.)
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O Father, please give me discernment so that I can recognize the intent
of people's words when they speak to me. I want to respond to people
fairly and honestly. Yet, dear Father, I don't want to get bogged down
in meaningless and spiteful arguments about words. Help give me wisdom
in the use of words and in my ability to hear the true messages that
are spoken to me. In Jesus name I ask this. Amen.
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