Tag: tribute to Caesar
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.