Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 22:15-22
And
Read Mark 12:13-17
And
Read Luke 20:20-26
Matthew and Mark mention a group that we've not discussed, the Herodians. This was a political party who were trying to get Herod to be their King. Another aspect of the Herodians was that they were Hellenistic – meaning that they leaned heavily on Greek beliefs. So, let's see if we can put this all together. Herodians were a group of Jewish men who followed Greek religious practice (polytheism), and Greek culture, who banded together to overthrow Rome and establish Herod as their King.
Now, my first question is why were the Pharisees (a group of Jewish men who were supposed to be following God) working with the Herodians?
There's an old phrase that comes to mind. “You are known by the company you keep.”
Be careful who you hang out with!”
Notice that at first, they started out with flattery. Be on your guard when someone starts out with flattery, they may be trying to trap you! Did Jesus fall for the flattery?
Of course not. He saw their hypocrisy!
We've defined hypocrisy before as saying one thing and doing or believing something different.
The Pharisees had failed to find anything wrong with Jesus' teachings, so now they ask a political question. I wonder if that is what they were discussing with the Herodians – how to trap him politically? Don't know.
So, what's their question?
What was Jesus' answer?
What was the response to this answer?
Is it okay to ask Jesus questions?
Some churches teach you not to question God. But I believe that asking questions is the best way to find answers! If you don't ask your questions – then Satan will use them to weaken your faith. I've made it a habit to bring all my questions to God.
But remember, we don't demand answers – we simply come to Him because He says to. Sometimes He answers clearly, sometimes He just assures me that He is in control and that I don't need answers at this time. Either way, I come away re-assured that He loves me and wants what is best for me.
In His service, dale
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