Mat 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
Mat 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
Mat 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
In these verses, the enemies of Jesus employ Hyperbole, hypocrisy, and hypotheticals all for the purpose of trying to get some info they can use against the Lord. They try to butter the Lord up with the following:
1. "Master"
2. "We know that thou art true"
3. "...and teachest the way of God in truth"
It was the minions of the Pharisees who were sent to Jesus with this deceptive ploy. They were disciples of the Pharisees and also Herodians, that is, men who were loyal followers of Herod, spawn of the butcher king who slaughtered scores of baby boys 33 years prior to this. So their true "masters" were dark-hearted opportunists and control freaks hanging on to what undeserved power they still had.
Stating that they knew Jesus was true and taught the way of God in truth was the most insincere statement they had ever made. Not long before this Jesus had stated to His disciples that He is the way, the truth and the life. If they only could have sincerely believed these two statements, they could have been on to the greatest truths that would ever infiltrate their small minds. But it was only flattery intended to fool Jesus.
They were cons, buffoons impressed with their poor acting abilities. A warmed up spot in Hades would await these questioners and those who commissioned them.
I am convicted about those times when I approach Jesus with my own selfish agenda and feel that He might better hearken unto me if I would build Him up a bit first, as if my contrived words would make Him "feel" better. But God calls us to worship Him in spirit and in TRUTH.
When we approach the throne with our "hallowed be thy names" we had better mean it.
Merciful Lord and Savior, we bend the knee to you today. In contrition we acknowledge that you are all we can say and so much more. What you are cannot be changed by our choice of words. But our praises, from our hearts can truly change us as we worship you in spirit and in truth. May we lift you up today as we consider that you were lifted up for our sins so long ago. Thank you for your great salvation! Hallowed be your name.
No comments:
Post a Comment