Tag: Luke 20
Pretending to be sincere
Scripture reading for March 31: Luke 20
“The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on Him at that very hour, for they perceived that He had told this parable (of the wicked tenants) against them, but they feared the people. So they watched Him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch Him in something He said, so to deliver Him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. So they asked Him, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” Luke 20:19-22
Jesus had just told a parable about the Pharisees and scribes and chief priests who had questioned His authority to preach the Gospel of the kingdom. They were jealous and were seeking to kill Jesus and He knew their plans. He told the parable of the wicked tenants as a warning about God’s judgment on those who were stewards of God’s people, the very ones seeking His murder. They had enough spiritual perception to understand that this parable was directed at them, but instead of repentance and a change of mind, they ramped up their deception and plot to kill Jesus.
They sent ‘spies’ who ‘pretended to be sincere’ to try and catch Jesus in a sin or treasonous act. These people spoke eloquently of Jesus’ teaching and doctrine and then asked Him a leading question that they were sure would trap Him. “Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” They reasoned that if Jesus answered ‘yes’, He would be condemned by the people and would be a blasphemer. If Jesus answered ‘no’ He would be guilty of treason against Rome. Either way, they could have Him eliminated. But Jesus asked them a question: “Whose inscription and likeness is on the denarius?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” Jesus told them to give Caesar the things belonging to him and to God what belonged to Him.
Has anyone ever plotted against you or sought to trap you through fake sincerity? What things do you do when you ‘pretend to be sincere?’ How does Jesus’ handling of this trap help you deal with those who pretend sincerity towards you? Can you trust God to reveal fake sincerity in others and you?
Prayer: Father God, I invite you to always reveal to me any fake ‘sincerity’ in dealing with You or others. Help me to wisely answer those seeking to entrap me or to twist Your words to justify their attitudes and actions. I want to give to God all glory and praise as He Alone is worthy. Amen.
Show no partiality!
Scripture reading for March 30th: Luke 20
Key scriptures for over-comers: Luke 20: 21-25 “So the spies questioned Him: “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach what is right, and that You do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” He saw through their duplicity and said to them, “Show Me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription is on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Towards the end of Jesus’ ministry, the religious rulers were looking for a way to trap Jesus in order to eliminate Him from interfering with their little kingdom. Jesus was asked about paying taxes to Caesar. He masterfully took a coin and asked them whose inscription was on it. His answer showed no partiality nor played up to those who were looking for grounds to convict Him of wrong. Jesus taught submission to authority because all authority is in place because of God’s decree. (Romans 13:1) However, God is the ultimate authority and His people must honor Him as just that by giving the tithe and offerings. Both taxes and tithes are required of God’s people.
Observations for over-comers: Believers must guard their hearts against duplicity and partiality. We must rightly give honor to where honor is due. “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” (Leviticus 19:15)
The Son of David!
Scripture reading for March 31st: Luke 20
The week before Jesus’ last Passover, He went into the temple and was questioned by the religious leaders. They were trying to trap Him so that they could have an excuse to kill Him. They had already decided to do it, but were looking for the right opportunity. As they asked Him questions, He answered them with such skill as to silence them. (Luke 20:26, 40) Coincidentally, this was the same time that the Israelites were to be examining the Passover lambs that would be slain for their families!
Jesus then turned the tables on these leaders. He posed a question to them concerning the Messiah. “How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David? David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord; “Sit at my right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for your feet.” David calls Him ‘Lord.’ How then can He be his son?” (Luke 20:41-44) The leaders were unable to answer His question. Jesus used the Old Testament Scriptures to show that the Messiah was also David’s Lord!
“While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”” (Luke 20:45-47) Jesus knew the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. He spoke plainly to His disciples warning them. He also warned the people who would soon be tested as well. The Son of David was Lord of all!