Day 110

Joshua 21:1–22:20; Luke 20:1-26; Psalm 89:1-13; Proverbs 13:15-16

THE PRESENCE OF investigative journalism and sensational exposés is ubiquitous in our culture. It’s fascinating that we are compelled by “gotcha” moments. Often, though, these moments never tell the whole story, and real people’s lives are destroyed as a result. What a sad critique on our culture: Everything and everyone can be turned into a consumable form of entertainment.

Jesus had to deal with this mind-set continually, and we see it clearly in today’s reading from Luke. A group of priests, religious educators, and elders confronted Jesus to take Him down with crafty “gotcha” questions.

First, they went after Jesus’ influence: “By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?” (Luke 20:2). Jesus responded by turning the tables on them and asking them whether John the Baptist’s authority was heaven-sent. The trap they set for Jesus ensnared them:

If we say it was from heaven, he will ask why we didn’t believe John. But if we say it was merely human, the people will stone us because they are convinced John was a prophet.

So they finally replied that they didn’t know.

Later, the religious leaders sent spies to attempt to entrap Jesus in a political controversy:

“Teacher,” they said, “we know that you speak and teach what is right and are not influenced by what others think. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us —is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

He saw through their trickery and said, “Show me a Roman coin. Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

So they failed to trap him by what he said in front of the people. Instead, they were amazed by his answer, and they became silent.

Malicious word traps are all around us. They happen in our workplaces, in our schools, and in our homes. Jesus is our model, if we have nothing to hide. He looked for the plot behind every story. He looked for the reasons why the questions were flying at Him. In seeing the motive, He knew how to respond. And His response exposed the motive. It allowed the truth of the matter to shine. Jesus didn’t resort to unnecessary aggression with His words. Rather, He humbly exposed the truth. May we follow in His footsteps in our interactions today.

WORSHIP:

I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.