The Foiled Plot

Mt. 22:15

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle Him in His words.

Many are called but few are chosen. Jesus' statement applied not only to the wedding guests in the parable, those who had entered without the proper wedding garments, but also to the Pharisees whose hearts were full of evil. Using subterfuge, they tried to entrap Jesus. How deceived they were! They sent in their disciples to ask a question, but before they asked the question, they baited the question with flattery saying, Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and You do not care about anyone's opinion, for You are not swayed by appearances. Tell us then what you think. Is it not lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? How close to the truth they were! He was true and the Truth! He was teaching the way of God! He did not care about anyone's opinion especially theirs! Yet, even though they said the words, their hearts were far removed. They thought they had crafted the perfect question that would give Jesus into their hands and into their power. Their cunning lies, though based in truth, were transparent to the Son of God. But Jesus aware of their malice, said, Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Jesus knew their true motives, as He does mine, and sadly theirs were pure malice. There was nothing true in what they asked, thought, or did. Because of the condition of their hearts, Jesus identified them as hypocrites yet again. What a slap in the face! Not only did He expose them for what they were, but He answered their question superbly. Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God, the things that are God's. How complex! Jesus responded to the situation on so many levels, and on every level, He spoke the truth because He is and always will be the Truth. What was their response to their foiled attempt? When they heard it, they marveled. And they left Him and went away. Even to those who reject, Jesus is a marvel! Sadly, recognizing someone is a marvel is not the same as believing who He is! Those who truly believe are the ones who are chosen, the ones who come to the wedding feast as guests properly robed in the Son's righteousness.

Father,
Thank You for inviting me to the feast, for choosing me to be Your wedding guest, and for giving me Jesus as my Savior.
In His name,
Amen