Matthew 22:15-22 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 22:15-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. Verse 16So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Verse 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" Verse 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Verse 19Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. Verse 20Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" Verse 21They answered, "The emperor's." Then he said to them, "Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's." Verse 22When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
Devotion
We are in the political season of "gotcha" questions. The point of the question is not to gain wisdom or insight, it simply is to embarrass a candidate and undercut that person's worth and viability. It is a recurring practice of the "Old Adam." It is not confined to politics. How often do we spar with our spouse or our children? How often is work a place of distrust, of not being honest with one another, of undermining people behind their back?
Some of the Pharisees take a swipe at Jesus in two ways. First, they plot behind the scenes. Second, their questioning is passive aggressive, "Teacher, we know that you are sincere..." Sounds familiar. It's not just about a few Pharisees. We do this stuff as well. What do you need to do to get off the "gotcha" bandwagon?
Prayer
Lord, I confess I am sometimes self-righteous. I do not seek wisdom from those who are different. I plot and entrap and I am not fair. Forgive me. Change me. Amen.